r。 That is a sort of kindliness I find it hard to bear。 When I am just going to lead my army to the South Land to take vengeance； is it likely he will get Jingzhou out of me？〃
At this point Zhuge Liang prostrated himself weeping at his lord's feet and said； 〃The Marquis of Wu has seized my brother's family； and he will put them all to death if the land be not given up。 Can I remain alive if such a fate befall them？ I pray my lord for my sake to give back the region and prevent any breach between my brother and me。〃
But Liu Bei refused。 He seemed obdurate； but Zhuge Liang persisted in his entreaty。 Finally Liu Bei reluctantly consented。
〃Since things are so； and the Instructor pleads for it； I will return half；〃 said he。 〃I will give up three territories………Changsha； Lingling； and Guiyang。〃
〃Then； as you have consented； prepare letters ordering Guan Yu to yield these three territories；〃 said Zhuge Jin。
Liu Bei said； 〃When you see my brother； you must use most gracious words to him； for his nature is as a fierce fire； and even I fear what he may do。 So be very careful。〃
Zhuge Jin； having got the letter； took his leave and went straightway to Jingzhou。 He asked for an interview； and was received in the grand reception hall。
When both were seated in their respective places； the emissary produced the letter of Liu Bei； saying； 〃The Imperial Uncle has promised to return three territories to my master； and I hope； General； you will hand them over at once and let me return。〃
Guan Yu's countenance changed； and he said； 〃The oath sworn in the Peach Garden bound me and my brother to support the dynasty of Han。 Jingzhou is a portion of their domain； and how can any part be given to another？ When a leader is in the field； he rec