In the final years of the Han Dynasty, the Yellow Turban Rebellion plunged the land into chaos. Cao Cao held power at court, while Sun Quan commanded his forces in the east. After a defeat in the Central Plains, Liu Bei fled to Jingzhou, seeking refuge with Liu Biao. Seeing Liu Bei’s sincere appreciation for talented individuals, two of his advisors, Xu Shu and Sima Hui, recommended a man known as “The Crouching Dragon,” Zhuge Liang. This man was not only learned but also exceptionally capable. Consequently, Liu Bei, along with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, brought gifts and journeyed to Wolonggang in Longzhong to invite Zhuge Liang to join him.
On their first visit, Zhuge Liang was away. Disappointed, Liu Bei had no choice but to return. Not long after, Liu Bei and his two sworn brothers braved a strong snowstorm to make a second trip. However, Zhuge Liang was once again out. Zhang Fei, who was reluctant to come in the first place, urged them to leave immediately. Liu Bei, however, chose to leave a letter, expressing his profound admiration for Zhuge Liang and his earnest hope that he would come and help him save the country from its perilous state.
After some time, Liu Bei fasted for three days and prepared for a third visit. This time, Guan Yu suggested that Zhuge Liang might not be as talented as his reputation suggested and that they shouldn’t bother going. Zhang Fei, on the other hand, proposed that he go alone and, if Zhuge Liang refused, he’d tie him up with a rope and bring him back by force. Liu Bei rebuked Zhang Fei for his brashness and then, with both of his sworn brothers, made the journey a third time. Upon their arrival, they found Zhuge Liang asleep. Liu Bei, unwilling to disturb him, stood patiently until Zhuge Liang woke on his own. Only then did they sit down and talk.
Seeing Liu Bei’s determination to serve the country and his sincere plea for help, Zhuge Liang agreed to assist him, dedicating his full efforts to helping Liu Bei establish the Shu Han dynasty.
The phrase originates from the historical novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and refers to the story of Liu Bei’s repeated attempts to recruit the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei was so sincere and persistent that he went to Zhuge Liang’s humble home three times to ask for his help.
The idiom is used to describe a sincere and persistent effort to invite a talented person to join a cause or to express one’s respect for someone by making repeated visits.
Dr. Wilson Yong. Copyright 2025.
