〃The winter is not favorable for this campaign。 My lord should await milder weather。〃
And Cao Cao yielded。 But he began to prepare； and led the River Zhang's waters aside to form a lake； which he called the Aquamarine Lake； where he could accustom his soldiers to fight on the water。
As has been said； Liu Bei prepared gifts to offer to Zhuge Liang on his visit。 One day his servants announced a stranger of extraordinary appearance； wearing a lofty headdress and a wide belt。
〃Surely this is he；〃 said Liu Bei； and； hastily arranging his dress； he went to wele the visitor。
But the first glance showed him that it was the recluse of the mountains； Sima Hui。 However； Liu Bei was glad to see him and led him into the inner apartment as he would an old friend。
There Liu Bei conducted him to the seat of honor and made his obeisance； saying； 〃Since leaving you that day in the mountains； I have been overwhelmed with military preparations and so have failed to visit you as courtesy demanded。 Now that the brightness has descended upon me； I hope this dereliction of duty may