lliance would be to the benefit of both our houses and of the state。 I hope； O Imperial Uncle； that you will fairly consider the proposal。 However； since the young girl's mother is dotingly fond of her； the mother does not wish her to go far away； and so I must ask you to e into our country for the wedding。〃
〃Does the Marquis know of your ing？〃
〃How dare I e without his knowledge？〃
〃I am no longer young；〃 said Liu Bei。 〃I am fifty and grizzled。 This fair damsel； the sister of the Marquis； is now in the flower of her youth and no mate for me。〃
〃Although the damsel is a woman； yet in mind she surpasses many a man； and she has said she will never wed anyone who is unknown to fame。 Now； Sir； you are renowned throughout the four seas。 Marriage with you would be the chaste maiden mating with the born gentleman。 Of what consequence is the difference in age？〃
〃Sir； stay here awhile； and I will give you a reply tomorrow；〃 said Liu Bei。
So that day the envoy was entertained at a banquet and then conducted to the guest…house to repose； while； late as it was； Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang discussed their plans。
〃I knew what he had e about；〃 said the adviser。 〃While he was talking； I consulted the oracle and obtained an excellent sign。 Wherefore you may accept the proposal and send Sun Qian back with this envoy to arrange the details。 When the promise has been ratified； we will choose a day and you shall go to plete the ceremony。〃
〃How can I thus go into enemy territory？ Zhou Yu has wanted to slay me for a long time。〃
〃Let Zhou Yu employ all his ruses。 Think you he can get beyond me？ Let me act for you； and his calculations will always fail halfway。 Once Sun Quan's sister is in your power； there will be no fear for Jingzhou。〃