During the Three Kingdoms period, a tumultuous time in Chinese history marked by political intrigue and military conflicts, Liu Bei arrived in Jingzhou, where he was warmly welcomed by the regional governor, Liu Biao. To show his gratitude, Liu Bei sought an opportunity to repay Governor Liu Biao’s kindness. He volunteered to suppress the uprising when he heard that Zhang Wu and Chen Sun were rebelling in Jiangxia. He quickly succeeded, and during the campaign, he noticed Zhang Wu’s majestic steed, which he believed to be an exceptional horse. He decided to keep the horse for himself.
On one occasion, Liu Bei rode out of the city with the regional governor. Impressed by the steed’s robust appearance, Governor Liu Biao praised the horse, prompting Liu Bei to gift it to him. The governor happily rode it back to the city, but his advisor, Kuai Yue, warned him: “This horse has teary eyes and a white spot on its forehead. It’s called Dilu, which means ‘The Pure White Dew.’ It is said that whoever rides this horse will face disaster. After all, its previous owner, Zhang Wu, died because of this horse. My lord, you should not ride it.” Taking Kuai Yue’s advice, Governor Liu Biao returned the horse to Liu Bei.
A fateful warning ignored
Later, one of Liu Bei’s aides, Yi Ji, also advised him to avoid riding Dilu due to its ominous reputation. However, he dismissed these warnings, saying: “Life and death are determined by fate. How could a mere horse influence my destiny?” Yi Ji admired Liu Bei’s wisdom and continued to follow him loyally.
Governor Liu Biao’s eldest son, Liu Qi, was a kind and filial young man, which earned him his father’s favor. However, his younger son, Liu Cong, was married to the niece of Governor Liu Biao’s second wife, Madame Cai. Madame Cai often spoke ill of the eldest son while praising her niece’s husband. This led the governor to consider naming Liu Cong as his successor, despite the traditional preference for the eldest son. Liu Bei advised the governor against breaking tradition, warning that it could lead to chaos. He suggested gradually reducing the power of Madame Cai’s faction to maintain stability.
Madame Cai, who had always distrusted Liu Bei, overheard this conversation and grew furious. She secretly conspired with her brother, General Cai Mao, to assassinate Liu Bei. They decided to hold a grand banquet under the guise of honoring the local officials and invited Liu Bei. Unaware of their intentions, he attended the banquet with only Zhao Yun and 300 infantrymen.
A narrow escape
During the banquet, Cai Mao arranged for Zhao Yun to be led to another room to drink. Although Zhao Yun initially refused, Liu Bei encouraged him to take a break, believing it to be a kind gesture. Meanwhile, Yi Ji, who knew about the ambush set by Cai Mao’s forces at the eastern, southern, and northern gates, sent a secret message urging Liu Bei to flee through the western gate.
Liu Bei quickly made his way to the western gate, but after only a short distance, he was stopped by the Tanxi River. The river, about 30 feet wide with turbulent currents, was impossible to cross. Cai Mao had not set up an ambush here, thinking the river would block Liu Bei’s escape. He turned back, but by then, Cai Mao’s 500 cavalrymen were in pursuit. Seeing the enemy closing in, Liu Bei had no choice but to spur Dilu into the river.
After just a few steps, the horse’s front hooves suddenly sank, drenching Liu Bei’s robes. In desperation, Liu Bei shouted: “Dilu, Dilu, are you going to betray me today?” No sooner had he spoken than the horse leaped out of the water, soaring nearly ten feet high, and landed on the opposite bank, carrying Liu Bei as if he were flying through clouds.
Cai Mao’s forces reached the riverbank and, witnessing this miraculous scene, murmured in disbelief: “What divine power is protecting him?”
True virtue sustains great responsibility
An ancient saying goes: “If one’s virtue does not match their position, disaster will follow.” This means that if a person’s moral character does not align with their responsibilities, they will suffer consequences. Only those with profound virtue can truly bear the blessings and maintain their position.
Liu Bei was known for his kindness, generosity, and strategic vision. The previous owner of Dilu had suffered misfortune not because the horse brought bad luck, but because the owner’s virtue was insufficient to match such an extraordinary steed. Liu Bei, however, was destined to be the founder of the Shu Kingdom, a leader blessed with a heavenly mandate. Only he could truly master Dilu. In a critical moment, Dilu revealed its true nature as a dragon horse, rescuing its master and completing its most legendary mission.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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