〃
Therefore he made illness an excuse to stay at home； and sent to inform Sun Quan； who was very distressed at the news。
Then said Lu Xun； 〃The illness is feigned。 He is quite well。〃
〃If you know that so well； go and see；〃 said Sun Quan。
Away went Lu Xun and speedily arrived at Lukou； where he saw Lu Meng； who indeed appeared to be in perfect health。 Nor did his face bear any signs of recent illness。
〃The Marquis of Wu has sent me to inquire after your honorable plaint；〃 said Lu Xun。
〃How distressed I am that the state of my wretched carcass has caused the Marquis the inconvenience of inquiring〃 replied Lu Meng。
〃The Marquis placed a very heavy responsibility on your shoulders； but you are not making the best use of the opportunity。 However； what is the real origin of your distress？〃
Lu Meng sat gazing at his visitor a long time without replying。
〃I have a little remedy；〃 said Lu Xun。 〃Do you think you might use it？〃
Lu Meng dismissed the servants； and when the two were alone； he said； 〃This remedy； my friend； please tell me what it is。〃
〃Your ailment is due simply to the efficiency of the Jingzhou soldiers。 I know how to keep the beacons from flaring； and I can make the defenders of Jingzhou e to you with their hands tied。 Would that cure you？〃
〃My friend； you speak as if you saw into my inmost heart。 Pray unfold your good scheme。〃
〃Guan Yu thinks himself too much of a hero for anyone to dare to face him； and his only anxiety is yourself。 Now you must take advantage of this excuse you have made of illness actually to resign this post； so that the pretense may be kept up and another person be appointed to your place。 Let this person； your successor； humbly praise Guan Yu till that