In 201, Liu Bei was defeated by Cao Cao in Runan and lost his base, so he fled south to Jingzhou to seek the protection of Liu Biao. Liu Biao also needed Liu Bei as a northern barrier against Cao Cao, so he granted Liu Bei a thousand troops and stationed him in Xinye.
A humble refuge in Xinye
Though treated with courtesy, Liu Bei remained restless. During a banquet in Xiangyang, he returned from the lavatory with tears in his eyes. When Liu Biao asked why, Liu Bei confessed:
“My thighs have grown soft from idleness. In past years, I never left my saddle – my legs were firm with action. Now, aging without achievement, I feel deep shame.”
Though Liu Biao offered reassurance, he grew wary. Reports indicated that many of Jing Province’s elite were flocking to Liu Bei. Despite their shared status as Han imperial kinsmen, Liu Biao suspected Liu Bei might be plotting to seize control of Jing Province. His initial warmth cooled into cautious distance.
The arrival of Xu Shu
Back in Xinye, Liu Bei received an unexpected visitor: a man calling himself Shan Fu, who revealed his true identity as Xu Shu – a former fugitive turned scholar. Impressed by Liu Bei’s reputation for recruiting talent, Xu Shu pledged his service as a strategist.
His value was quickly proven. When Cao Cao dispatched Xiahou Dun to attack at Bowang, Xu Shu devised a clever ruse: Liu Bei’s forces feigned retreat after burning their own supplies, luring Xiahou Dun into a devastating ambush. The victory solidified Xu Shu’s standing – and opened the door to a greater revelation.
Introducing the Sleeping Dragon
Xu Shu told Liu Bei of a recluse far more brilliant than himself:
“In Longzhong (near Xiangyang), there lives Zhuge Liang, styled Kongming. Though he tills the fields, his mind spans the empire. Friends call him ‘Wolong’ – the Sleeping Dragon (or the Crouching Dragon).”
Liu Bei recalled a conversation with the hermit Sima Hui, who once said:
“Only Wolong and Fengchu (Young Phoenix) – Pang Tong – can restore order to this age.”
When Liu Bei asked how Zhuge Liang compared to Xu Shu, the latter replied humbly:
“I am but a firefly beside the moon. Zhuge Liang compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi – but I believe he surpasses them both.”
Convinced, Liu Bei declared:
“Then I must go to him myself.”
Xu Shu nodded firmly:
“Such a man cannot be summoned – he must be sought.”
The first two visits: Patience tested
Liu Bei, accompanied by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, journeyed to Longzhong. At Zhuge Liang’s humble thatched cottage – walls of mud, roof of straw, gate of woven twigs – they found only a young servant.
“Master left at dawn. He may return in days… or weeks.”
Disappointed but undeterred, Liu Bei left a message of respect and returned.
Days later, they came again – only to learn Zhuge Liang had just departed once more. Zhang Fei grumbled; Guan Yu urged retreat. But Liu Bei insisted:
“I will come again.”
The third visit: A meeting that changed history
On the third visit, Zhuge Liang was finally at home. Hearing of Liu Bei’s arrival, the 26-year-old scholar hurried out, bowing deeply:
“To trouble you three times at my humble hut – how dare I not be moved?”
Inside, Liu Bei – 46 years old and weathered by decades of exile – spoke with raw sincerity:
“The Han is crumbling. I lack strength and wisdom, yet I dream of restoring it. I beg your guidance.”
Zhuge Liang, calm and composed, unfolded his grand strategy – the famed Longzhong Plan:
Cao Cao now dominates the north, wielding imperial authority – too strong to challenge directly.
Sun Quan holds Jiangdong securely, backed by generations of rule and capable advisors.
Jing Province, though held by the weak Liu Biao, is the strategic heart of the realm – ripe for seizure.
Yizhou (Sichuan), the “Land of Abundance,” is ruled by the inept Liu Zhang, vulnerable to takeover.
If you secure Jing and Yi, ally with Sun Quan, govern wisely within, and strike north when the moment comes – you can revive the Han.
Liu Bei listened, spellbound. Here was not just a tactician, but a visionary who saw the future like a map.
Rising, he bowed low:
“Will you join me?”
Zhuge Liang, touched by Liu Bei’s humility and resolve, accepted:
“If you do not disdain my youth and inexperience, I shall serve you with all my heart.”
The birth of a legendary partnership
From that day, Zhuge Liang became Liu Bei’s chief strategist. Returning to Xinye, he was warmly greeted by Xu Shu – his old friend now his comrade-in-arms.
Liu Bei treated Zhuge Liang not merely as an advisor, but as a teacher and equal, consulting him on every major decision. Thus began one of history’s most celebrated partnerships – one forged not by power, but by respect, patience, and shared purpose.
As the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) notes, Liu Bei’s “three visits” exemplified his virtue:
“He lowered himself to seek talent, proving that true leadership lies in humility.”
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