Chapter 5: Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage
Глава 5: Три визита в соломенную хижину Лю Бэй трижды посетил Чжугэ Ляна, чтобы убедить мудрого стратега присоединиться к его делу и помочь восстановить династию Хань.
After repeated failures, Liu Bei realized that the lack of talented people was the key reason he could not succeed. He heard that there was a wise man named Zhuge Liang in Longzhong, who was said to know astronomy above and geography below, possessing exceptional talents.
Liu Bei decided to visit Zhuge Liang in person. Taking Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with him, he went to Longzhong three times. The first and second times, Zhuge Liang was away, and Liu Bei could only return empty-handed.
On the third visit, Zhuge Liang was finally at home. He was taking a nap, and Liu Bei, not having the heart to disturb him, waited outside. After a long time, Zhuge Liang woke up and was deeply moved by Liu Bei's sincerity.
Zhuge Liang talked with Liu Bei about the general situation of the realm and proposed the famous "Longzhong Plan." He suggested that Liu Bei first occupy Jingzhou and Yizhou, forming a pattern of dividing the realm into three parts. This strategy pointed out the direction for Liu Bei's progress.
Liu Bei invited Zhuge Liang to leave the mountains and assist him. Zhuge Liang was moved by Liu Bei's sincerity and decided to leave his secluded life to help Liu Bei realize his ambitions. From then on, Zhuge Liang became Liu Bei's most trusted military strategist.
The story of Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage became a model in Chinese history of treating worthy people with respect. It tells us that only by sincerely treating talented people can we obtain their support and help.