Episode 042: Breaches in Etiquette
The surviving Yuan brothers get a cold reception from their host up north, and Liu Bei commits a dinner-table faux pas down south.
The surviving Yuan brothers get a cold reception from their host up north, and Liu Bei commits a dinner-table faux pas down south.
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Jing Province is fat, happy and everyone is living in harmony. UNTIL this guy named Liu Bei shows up with an army and this totally unjustified claim that he is the one ordained by heaven to restore the Han. He must think being ruled by idiot emperors and corrupt eunuchs beats having Cao Cao in charge, a man who is a capable administrator who listens to his advisors, who is a brilliant strategist, brave general and valiant soldier, and a leader who actually manages to implement reforms that make life much better for the people. What is Liu Bei good at? Sowing discord, bringing chaos to peaceful provinces and perpetuating a violent and costly war. When I first read ROTK I was pulling for him. Now I see him as a dangerous demogogue, an idiot, an impression that is strenthened as the novel progresses. Cai Mao is sooo right. While he comes off as a villain only interested in promoting his family and amassing power, he actually is acting in the best interest of Jing Province. If only that horse were truly hexed! Liu Bei? Not my favorite. Not a fan.
I’m having the same impression as you the second time I’m reading/watching this.
The first time I saw Cao cao has the great villain, but then I realized he is very smart and capable, and Liu Bei is stupid. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, he has ZhugeLiang, favourite character by far. I hope this second read of the novel doesn’t change that for me!
Glad to see I’m not the only one reading/listening in 2021! I also have found Liu Bei to be a bit of an idiot. I haven’t read the novel since the 90s.