〃
But Liu Bei replied; 〃How would misfortune have been averted from Xuzhou if he had not attacked Yanzhou? He cannot be our enemy now that he es seeking an asylum。〃
〃Brother; your heart is really too good。 Although it may be as you say; yet it would be well to prepare;〃 said Zhang Fei。
The new Imperial Protector with a great following met Lu Bu ten miles outside the city gates; and the two chiefs rode in side by side。 They proceeded to the residence and there; after the elaborate ceremonies of reception were over; they sat down to converse。
Said Lu Bu; 〃After Wang Yun and I plotted to slay Dong Zhuo and my misfortune in the Li Jue and Guo Si's sedition; I drifted about from one place to another; and none of the nobles east of the Huashang Mountains seemed willing to receive me。 When Cao Cao with wicked ambition invaded this region and you; Sir; came to its rescue; I aided you by attacking Yanzhou and thus diverting a portion of his force。 I did not think then that I should be the victim of a vile plot and lose my leaders and my soldiers。 But now if you will; I offer myself to you that we may together acplish great designs。〃
Liu Bei replied; 〃When the late Tao Qian died; there was no one to administer Xuzhou; and so I assumed that task for a time。 Now since you are here; General; it is most suitable that I step down in your favor。〃
Whereupon Liu Bei handed the insignia and the seal of authority to Lu Bu。 Lu Bu was on the point of accepting them; when he saw Guan Yu and Zhang Fei; who stood behind the Imperial Protector; glaring at him with angry eyes。
So Lu Bu put on a smile and said; 〃I may be something of a fighting man; but I could not rule a great region like this。〃
Liu Bei repeated his offer。 But Chen Gong said