English Original
In the third century, China was divided into three kingdoms: Wei in the north, Shu in the southwest, and Wu in the southeast. Shu was a relatively weak state. Its leader, Liu Bei, was actively seeking talented individuals to strengthen his kingdom. He learned of a wise and knowledgeable man named Zhuge Liang, who lived in seclusion in Longzhong (present-day Hubei province). Liu Bei decided to invite Zhuge Liang to serve as his chief advisor.
In 207 AD, Liu Bei, accompanied by his sworn brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, traveled to Longzhong to seek Zhuge Liang's assistance. However, Zhuge Liang was not at home, and they returned disappointed.
They made a second visit later, but again failed to meet him, as Zhuge Liang had been traveling and had not yet returned. This time, Liu Bei left a note expressing his sincere invitation.
After some time, Liu Bei resolved to make a third attempt. Despite objections from Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he persisted. On this visit, Zhuge Liang was at home but was asleep. Liu Bei respectfully waited by his bedside while his brothers waited outside. When Zhuge Liang awoke and saw Liu Bei's genuine sincerity, he was deeply moved. He agreed to Liu Bei's request and became his prime minister. With Zhuge Liang's brilliant counsel, Liu Bei expanded his territory and strengthened the Shu kingdom to rival its neighbors.
This story later gave rise to the idiom "Three Visits to the Cottage," used to describe inviting someone with utmost sincerity and earnestness.
中文翻译
公元三世纪，中国分裂为三个国家：北方的魏国、西南的蜀国和东南的吴国。蜀国相对较弱。其君主刘备为了壮大国力，四处寻访人才。他听说有一位名叫诸葛亮的贤士，隐居在隆中（今湖北省境内）。刘备决定邀请诸葛亮出任自己的军师。
公元207年，刘备带着结义兄弟关羽和张飞前往隆中拜访诸葛亮，请求他出山相助。然而，诸葛亮不在家，他们只得失望而归。
不久后，他们再次拜访，但仍未见到诸葛亮，因为他外出游历尚未归来。这次，刘备留下了一封信，表达了自己的诚意和邀请。
又过了一些时日，刘备决心进行第三次拜访。尽管关羽和张飞劝阻，他仍坚持前往。这次，诸葛亮在家，但正在午睡。刘备让关张二人在门外等候，自己则恭敬地站在床边等待。诸葛亮醒来，见到刘备如此真诚，深受感动。他答应了刘备的请求，成为了蜀国的丞相。在诸葛亮的辅佐下，刘备开拓疆土，使蜀国变得强大，足以与魏、吴抗衡。
这个故事后来演变为成语“三顾茅庐”，用来形容诚心诚意、一再邀请某人。