s on the point of asking what it was when Lady Cai came and stood behind the screen； whereat Liu Biao hung his head and became silent。 Before long host and guest bade each other farewell； and Liu Bei went back to his own place at Xinye。
That winter they heard that Cao Cao had returned from Liucheng； and Liu Bei sighed when he reflected that his friend had paid no heed to his advice。
Unexpectedly a messenger came from the capital city with a request that Liu Bei would go thither to consult with the Imperial Protector。 So he started at once with the messenger to Jingzhou City。 He was received very kindly； and when the salutations were over； the two men went into the private quarters at the rear to dine。
Presently Liu Biao said； 〃Cao Cao has returned； and he is stronger than ever。 I am afraid he means to absorb this region。 I am sorry I did not follow your advice for I have missed an opportunity。〃
〃In this period of disruption； with strife on every side； one cannot pretend that there will be no more opportunities。 If you only take what that offers； there will be nothing to regret。〃
〃What you say； brother； is quite to the point；〃 replied Liu Biao。
They drank on for a time till presently Liu Bei noticed that his host was weeping； and when he asked the cause of these tears； Liu Biao replied； 〃It is that secret sorrow I spoke of to you before。 I wished to tell you； but there was no opportunity that day。〃
〃O brother； what difficulty have you； and can I assist you？ I am entirely at your service。〃
〃My first wife； of the Chen family； bore me a son Liu Qi； my eldest。 He grew up virtuous but weakly and unfitted to succeed me in my office。 Later I took a wife of the Cai family； who bore me a son named Liu Zong； fairly intelligen