第101部分(第1/7 页)
ossible。 Zhang Fei was in charge of the rear guard; and Zhao Yun was to protect his lord's family。 Guan Yu had been sent to Jiangxia。
One day Zhuge Liang came in and said; 〃There is as yet no news from Jiangxia。 There must be some difficulties。〃
〃I wish that you yourself would go there;〃 said Liu Bei。 〃Liu Qi would remember your former kindness to him and consent to anything you proposed。〃
Zhuge Liang said he would go and set out with Liu Feng; the adopted son of Liu Bei; taking an escort of five hundred troops。
A few days after; while on the march in pany with three of his manders………Jian Yong; Mi Zhu; and Mi Fang………a sudden whirlwind rose just in front of Liu Bei; and a huge column of dust shot up into the air hiding the face of the sun。
Liu Bei was frightened and asked; 〃What might that portend?〃
Jian Yong; who knew something of the mysteries of nature; took the auspices by counting secretly on his fingers。
Pale and trembling; he announced; 〃A calamity is threatening this very night。 My lord must leave the people to their fate and flee quickly。〃
〃I cannot do that;〃 said Liu Bei。
〃If you allow your pity to overe your judgment; then misfortune is very near;〃 said Jian Yong。
Thus spoke Jian Yong to his lord; who then asked what place was near。
His people replied; 〃Dangyang is quite close; and there is a very famous mountain near it called Prospect Mountain。〃
Then Liu Bei bade them lead the way thither。
The season was late autumn; just changing to winter; and the icy wind penetrated to the very bones。 As evening fell; long…drawn howls of misery were heard on every side。 At the middle of the fourth watch; two hours after midnight; they heard a rumbling sound in the northwest。 Liu