second one for the end of the year was nigh。 His orders were only to open the third when danger was very near and there appeared no way out。
As already remarked； the year was drawing to a close； and Zhao Yun saw his lord daily being more and more the slave of pleasure。 Liu Bei never appeared among his guards now。 So the bag was opened and in pursuance of the wonderful scheme thereby discovered； Zhao Yun went to the hall of the palace and asked to see his master。
The maid in attendance went within and said； 〃Zhao Yun has some important matter on which to see the master。〃
Liu Bei called him in and asked what the business was。
Zhao Yun assumed an attitude of great concern and said； 〃My lord； you are living happily secluded in these beautiful apartments。 Do you never think of Jingzhou？〃
〃But what is the matter that you seem so disturbed？〃 asked Liu Bei。
〃Today early Zhuge Liang sent a messenger to say that Cao Cao was trying to avenge his last defeat and was leading five hundred thousand troops to attack Jingzhou； which was in great danger。 And he wished you to return。〃
〃I must speak to my wife；〃 said Liu Bei。
〃If you consult her； she will be unwilling for you to return。 It would be better to say nothing but to start this evening。 Delay may do great damage。〃
〃Retire for a time。 I must act discreetly；〃 said Liu Bei。
Zhao Yun urged the need to return several times more； but finally went away。
Liu Bei went into his wife's rooms and began to weep silently。
Seeing his tears； Lady Sun said； 〃Why are you so sad； my husband？〃
Liu Bei replied； 〃I have been driven hither and thither all my life。 I was never able to do my duty to my parents； nor have I been able to sacrifice to my ancestors。 I h