him in the South Land; a prisoner of luxury。 Therefore build for him a fine palace to blunt the edge of his determination and surround him with sensuous luxury。 In this way the affection of his brothers will be alienated; and Zhuge Liang will be driven away。 When this result has been attained; we can smite him and so end a great matter。 If we be at all careless; I fear the recumbent dragon may fly to the skies; it is no beast to be kept in a pond。 My lord; I pray you consider this thoroughly。〃
The letter was shown to Zhang Zhao who said; 〃My idea is identical with his。 Liu Bei began life in a humble position and for years has been a wanderer。 He has never tasted the delights of wealth。 Give him the means of luxury; a beautiful dwelling; fair women; gold and silken attire。 As he enjoys them; the thoughts of Zhuge Liang and his brothers will fade away and they; on their side; will be filled with rancor。 Thus can we lay our plans for recovering Jingzhou。 I remend action as Zhou Yu says and quickly。〃
Sun Quan then set about redecorating the Eastern Palace and laying out the grounds。 He filled the rooms with beautiful furniture for his sister and her husband。 He also sent fair damsels and musicians by the score; and many and beautiful vessels in gold and silver; and silken stuffs。 And his mother was delighted at his kindness to her son…in…law。
Indeed Liu Bei was soon so immersed in sensuous pleasure that he gave no thought to return。 Zhao Yun and the pany under him led an idle life in the front portion of the Eastern Palace; save that at times they went outside the city for archery and horse…racing。 And thus passed the year。
Suddenly Zhao Yun remembered the orders he had received and the three bags with the plans in them。 It was time to open the