y that the two paramount beauties would now be gracing the Bronze Bird Palace。 And as for yourself and other officers； insignificant though your families be； could you have been sure to survive？ Just now my lord did not reply because he was willing to believe rather that a scholar of your abilities would understand without a detailed explanation； and I trust now that you will。〃
This speech absolutely shut the guest's mouth for a time； and he said no word in reply。 But after an interval he said； 〃What you say； Zhuge Liang； I think is devoid of reason； and means much unpleasantness for me。〃
〃What unpleasantness？〃 asked Zhuge Liang。
The guest replied； 〃When Liu Bei was in serious straits at Dangyang； I conducted you across the river and introduced you to my lord。 I opposed Zhou Yu when he was going to capture Jingzhou； and then it came to agreement that the place was to be ours when the young man died。 And I pledged myself to that。 Now how can I go back and say you break your promise？ Both my lord and Zhou Yu will hold me guilty。 I would not mind death so much； but I fear that my master will be very wrathful and make war on the Imperial Uncle； who will have no place of refuge and he will look ridiculous in the eyes of the world for no reason。〃
Replied Zhuge Liang； 〃I care not for Cao Cao with his million troops and the Emperor in name at his back； and do you think I fear such a youngster as Zhou Yu？ However； as it may cause you some loss of consideration； I will try to persuade my master to put the matter in writing and give you a paper to the effect that he is temporarily occupying Jingzhou as a base。 When he can obtain possession of some other city； this shall be returned to you。 What think you the South Land would say to this？〃
〃Wa