Liu Bei's Horse Leaps Across The Tan Stream
Once, when Liu Bei was stationed at Xinye, he received an invitation from Liu Biao, the governor of Jing Province (荊州; covering present-day Hubei and Hunan), to attend a feast. However, Liu Biao was ill so he asked his sons Liu Qi and Liu Cong to entertain Liu Bei. Liu Bei arrived in Xiangyang (Jing Province's capital) with Zhao Yun and was directed to the feast. Cai Mao and others attempted to use the opportunity to kill Liu Bei but Yi Ji secretly informed Liu Bei about Cai Mao's intention. Liu Bei escaped from Xiangyang under the pretext of going to the latrine. When Cai Mao discovered that Liu Bei had fled, he led a group of soldiers in pursuit. Liu Bei was riding Dilu (的盧), a horse said to bring ill luck to its rider. Liu Bei reached the Tan Stream (檀溪), located west of Xiangyang, and attempted to ride across the stream. After taking a few steps, Dilu fell forward and Liu Bei's clothing became wet. Liu Bei whipped the horse and exclaimed, "Dilu! Dilu! Today you obstruct me!" Dilu suddenly rose above the surface and leapt three zhang (or 30 chi) across the stream to the opposite bank, bringing Liu Bei to safety.
Read more about this topic: List Of Fictitious Stories In Romance Of The Three Kingdoms
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