"Zhongda..." Zhuge Liang stood on the top of Daqing, looking towards the south.
Liu Jing's strong rise in the south greatly touched Zhuge Liang's heart, and even shaken his intention to live in seclusion in Longzhong and wait for the opportunity.
Zhuge Liang knew that Liu Jing had great ambitions, and now that he had taken over Jingnan, he was flying high, and he was very happy for his friend.
Zhuge Liang drank very restrainedly on weekdays, but he couldn't help but want to get drunk at this moment. Then the three of them went down the mountain together, just as Xu Shu had said before, Zhuge Liang took out the fine wine at home, drank with Cui Jun and Xu Shu happily, without restraint.
All three of them were heavy drinkers. They drank from noon to dusk. Cui Jun was the first to drink too much and fell drunk under the dining table. Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu helped him into a side room to rest.
Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu stopped drinking too much and stood side by side in the courtyard, exuding the smell of alcohol and chatting casually.
When Xu Shu talked about Liu Jing with Zhuge Liang, he was very envious of Zhuge Liang's success as a young man and he became a prince at the age of twenty-two.
Xu Shu sighed and said: "I was a wanderer when I was a child. When I was eighteen years old, I went to avenge a friend. In order not to be recognized, I painted my face with chalk and made my hair disheveled. In the end, I was captured by the county officials. At that time, I was tied to the car by the county officials.
, in the parade city, I couldn't describe how embarrassed I was. Fortunately, I was rescued by my friends and escaped death. From then on, I was no longer a knight-errant, but a scholar.
During the early Ping Dynasty, there were constant disturbances in Yingchuan. (Shi Tao) Guangyuan and I went south to Xiangyang to avoid trouble, and it has been nine years now. Confucius said: "I will stand up at thirty." I am twenty-nine years old this year, and I am seeing the year of standing up.
But still nothing was accomplished.”
After hearing this, Zhuge Liang was thoughtful and asked: "Is Yuan Zhi thinking about becoming an official?"
"Yes." Xu Shu nodded and admitted, "To be honest with Kong Ming, when I gave up wielding swords and halberds and changed into simple turbans and single clothes, I determined that I would achieve something in my youth. Now that the deadline is approaching, I can't help but feel panicked."
Zhuge Liang looked at his depressed friend and asked: "Who does Yuan Zhi care about? Xu Du? Jingzhou? Or..."
Xu Shu smiled bitterly and said: "I come from a poor family and have no reputation. No matter whether I return to Xudu in the north or even serve in Xiangyang, it is difficult for me to be reused. I have devoted myself to studying "Poems", "Books", "Shen" and "Han" for more than ten years.
If you are knowledgeable in Confucianism and law, how can you be willing to be a minor official?"
When Zhuge Liang heard what his friend said, he didn't know his intention and said, "Does Yuan Zhi want to go south to join Liu Zhongda?"
Xu Shu said: "Although I have never met Liu Zhongda, it is not what Kong Ming often said: 'Liu Zhongda was born in a clan and was famous all over the world, but he has the style of an ancient gentleman. He can make friends with famous people from all over the world, and recruit heroes from the market.' If Liu Zhongda is really like this
As Kong Ming said, it’s not about family background, but about talent, so I should run for it.”
"Liu Zhongda is wise and loyal, generous and loving, respects the virtuous and respects scholars. I have seen it all, and it is absolutely true." Then Zhuge Liang said again: "Didn't Yuan Zhi hear Liu Zhongda's "Xia Ke Xing"? Isn't he relying on this poem?
Compared with Lord Xinling, what worries does Yuan Zhi have?"
Xu Shu was determined and asked Zhuge Liang: "Kong Ming, haven't you ever thought about going south to join Liu Zhongda? With the importance Liu Zhongda attaches to you, you can easily get the position of Qianshi."
As a good friend of Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu knew very well how exaggerated Liu Jing's attention to Zhuge Liang was. Before the outbreak of the Civil War in Jingzhou, Liu Jing would correspond with Zhuge Liang almost every one or two months, and he would send it every time.
There were a large number of gifts, ranging from handwritten calligraphy to rare things from the South China Sea. If Liu Jing hadn't been married, Xu Shu would have doubted whether he had any unrealistic ideas about Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang frowned unconsciously and sighed: "I have completely taken root in Xiangyang. I am not as straight as Yuan Zhi. I can come and go with ease."
Zhuge Liang's eldest sister married the Kuai family of Xiangyang, his second sister joined the Pang family of Xiangyang, and he married the daughter of the Huang family of Xiangyang. Through his wife, Zhuge Liang became in-laws with the Cai family of Xiangyang and Liu Biao, and he had completely integrated into the Xiangyang gentry community.
Therefore, although he wanted to defect to Liu Jing in his heart, it was difficult for him to leave now.
Xu Shu said bluntly: "Liu Jingzhou has neither the talent of a king nor the master of chaos. He is nearly sixty years old and is as old as the light of a candle. But Liu Zhongda is tolerant, planning like a god, and has a broad mind.
The great ambition, at a young age, is to move across Hunan and Heng, and occupy Jingnan. Compared with Liu Jingzhou, it is like the rising sun. How can Kong Ming not know how to choose between the two?"
Zhuge Liang said: "I just know that Liu Jingzhou is not a human master, so I chose to live in seclusion here and wait for the opportunity."
"Isn't Liu Zhongda the 'opportunity' you mentioned? Why wait?" Xu Shu asked again: "Do you really want to wait until Liu Zhongda goes north to Xiangyang before you take refuge?"
Zhuge Liang was speechless.
…………
Before dark, Cui Jun woke up from his deep sleep and insisted on returning to Xiangyang despite Zhuge Liang's attempts to stay. Xu Shu also left with him.
After seeing off his friends, Zhuge Liang returned to the hall and could not sit still for a long time, thinking about Xu Shu's words.
Huang Yueying specially cooked a pot of tea soup for Zhuge Liang and asked him to take it to relieve hangover.
Zhuge Liang took the tea soup to the study room, took out the "Book of Han" and looked through it, but because he was restless, he didn't even finish reading "Xiao He Cao Shen Zhuan" after half a night.
When the time came, Zhuge Liang closed his book and went to his dormitory to rest. Huang Yueying could not fail to notice his abnormal behavior, but since her husband didn't tell her clearly, she didn't dare to ask more questions.
Zhuge Liang was lying on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. In order not to disturb his wife's rest, he got up and put on his clothes, went outside, stood against the railing, and stared at the bright moon hanging high in the night sky, lost in thought.
Soon, the sound of soft footsteps sounded behind him. Zhuge Liang looked back at his wife and said, "Yueying, did I wake you up?"
Huang Yueying shook her head slightly and asked proactively: "Why was Ge Lang so restless all night?"
Zhuge Liang did not deal with it, but told his wife all his worries.
Although Huang Yueying does not have an outstanding and beautiful appearance, she has talents that are not inferior to those of men. When Zhuge Liang encounters problems, he often discusses it with his wife. Zhuge Liang is very glad that he agreed to Huang Chengyan's request and married Huang Yueying as his wife. Compared with being more popular in bed, Zhuge Liang
As a beloved wife, Zhuge Liang prefers a confidant who can share his thoughts.
After hearing this, Huang Yueying understood clearly and asked her husband without hesitation: "Ge Lang and Liu Jun got to know each other when they were young. What kind of person does Ge Lang think Liu Jun is? Do you have the heart to revitalize the country and help the world?"
"
Zhuge Liang nodded without hesitation: "Yes."
Huang Yueying added: "Ge Lang and Liu Jun are in love with each other and are very close. Although they are thousands of miles apart and blocked by the river, they still miss each other. If Liu Jun hears that Ge Lang has come to join him, will he reuse him?"
"Yes." Zhuge Liang nodded again.
Huang Yueying immediately looked puzzled and said: "In that case, what doubts does Ge Lang have?"
Zhuge Liang hesitated and said: "I am too deeply involved with Xiangyang, so I have doubts in my heart."
Huang Yueying said sternly: "Young Master Deng Yu and his ancestor Guangwu met in Taixue and were very close to each other. Later Deng Yu returned home. Although they had been separated for many years, he heard that Guangwu was ordered to go to Fuhebei. Deng Yu led the northern crossing with his staff alone and caught up with Yu.
Yexia. At that time, Guangwu had no land and no food to eat. Did Deng Yu ever hesitate?"
Zhuge Liang's eyes filled with tears and he could not express his shame.
Huang Yueying added: "Liu Jun is as kind to Ge Lang as his ancestors were to Deng Yu. Now Liu Jun occupies the south of the Yangtze River, with an area thousands of miles away and a household registration of millions. He is looking forward to Ge Lang in his heart, but Ge Lang is sitting at home and hesitating.
Decide.”
Zhuge Liang finally couldn't help but burst into tears and said: "Yueying's words are so heartfelt that they make me feel ashamed."
Huang Yueying asked: "Has Ge Lang made a decision in his heart now?"
Zhuge Liang nodded and said: "I will go south and join Liu Zhongda."
Huang Yueying said: "The Book of Songs says: 'The bond between life and death is broad, and it is said with the son. Hold the hand of the son, and grow old with him.' I am now the wife of the Ge family, and I should follow Ge Lang to the south of the Yangtze River."
Zhuge Liang said: "Liang is very lucky to be able to marry such a wonderful wife as Yueying."