桃园结义的故事

be sworn brothers

       In 200 AD,China was in the late Han Dynasty.Life for the common people was bitter,

while the emperor lived in luxury.Years of drought drove them to desperation and finally

to rebellion.To suppress the uprising,the government had to recruit soldiers thoughout the

country.

        Liu Bei saw the recruitment notice.He came from a branch of the imperial family,but

sold sandals for a living.Noble in spirit,he desired to meet like-minded men.The notice made

him sigh heavily,"twenty eight years old and I have done nothing for my country!"."You think

you're a real man?"Then why the sighs?"someone behind him asked loudly.Liu Bei turned

and gave a start. A man with a black beard and huge round eyes was staring at him.

         Liu Bei replied,"I sigh for what I haven't done."

        The man,named Zhang Fei,also sought heroic souls.Hearing that Liu Bei shared his

concern for the country,he said,"I have a farm that could be used to recruit around here."

        They went to a tavern to talk.While drinking,they saw a tall fellow with a long beard and

ruddy cheeks shouting to volunteer.Impressed by the man's stature and bearing,Liu Bei invited

him to drink with them. The man,Guan Yu introduced himself.He had to leave him hometown

after killing a local bully.

         The there men continued the discussion.

         Zhang Fei said,"There's a peach garden behind my farm.The flowers are now in full

bloom.Let's meet there tomorrow to make a pact and plan our course fo action."A great idea!"

agreed Liu Bei and Guan Yu.

        The next day,the three men brought the offerings,and took an oath of brotherhood. Liu

Bei became the eldest brother,Guan Yu,the middle,and Zhang Fei,the youngest.They recruited

hundreds of brave men,and forged their own weapons.After then the brothers began their

heroic undertakings.