Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms podcast.

This is episode 45.

Last time, Liu Bei scored a big victory over a couple of Cao Cao's officers, thanks to his new military strategist, Danfu.

Cao Cao, however, soon found out that Danfu's real name was Xu Shu.

Cao Cao wanted to take Xu Shu away from Liu Bei, so he had Xu Shu's mother detained,

and one of his advisors forged a letter from her to Xu Shu, summoning him

to the capital, Xu Chang.

When Xu Shu got this letter and learned that his mom had been detained, he quickly went to

Liu Bei and wept and said, My real name is Xu Shu. I assumed the name Dan Fu when I was on the lamb.

Previously, I heard Liu Biao was recruiting men of talent, so I went to see him.

But upon speaking with him, I recognized that he was useless, so I wrote him a note and left.

That night, I went to see Master Water Mirror and told him what happened.

He lectured me about not finding a worthy master and told me that I should serve you.

That is why I dared to sing on the streets to catch your attention.

Fortunately, I received your favor and was entrusted with important responsibilities.

Unfortunately, my elderly mother has been detained by Cao Cao, and he means to do her harm.

She has written to summon me, and I must go.

It is not that I do not want to do everything I can to help you, but I must try to save my mother, so I have to take my leave

of you now. Perhaps we will meet again in the future. When Liu Bei heard this, he cried bitterly

and said to Xu Shu, The bond between mother and son is forged by heaven. You must not concern yourself with me. With luck,

perhaps I will be able to receive your counsel once more after you reunite with your mother.

Xu Shu bowed to thank Liu Bei and wanted to set out at once for Xu Chang, but Liu Bei said,

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