Scene 1: The First Visit
Setting: A dusty road leading to a small village. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei walk towards the village, each carrying a large bag of rice.
Liu Bei: (sweating profusely) Brothers, we must find this wise man in the hills! Our kingdom depends on his wisdom.
Guan Yu: (adjusting his beard) Brother, do you think he will help us? He seems quite elusive.
Zhang Fei: (snorts) Elusive? Ha! I’ll just roar at him until he comes out!
Liu Bei: No, no, no, Zhang Fei! We must approach with respect. This is not a battle!
Guan Yu: (nodding sagely) Indeed, brother. Respect is key.
(They arrive at a humble cottage. Liu Bei knocks on the door.)
Liu Bei: Hello? Is anyone home?
Voice from inside: Who goes there?
Zhang Fei: (loudly) It’s me, Zhang Fei! Open up or I’ll knock down your door!
Liu Bei: (whispering harshly) Zhang Fei!
(The door creaks open slowly. A young boy peers out.)
Boy: What do you want?
Liu Bei: We seek Zhuge Liang. Is he here?
Boy: (shrugs) Maybe. Follow me.
(They enter the cottage to find Zhuge Liang sitting cross-legged on the floor, reading a book.)
Zhuge Liang: (looking up) Ah, another visitor. What brings you here?
Liu Bei: (bowing deeply) Sir, I am Liu Bei. I seek your counsel for our kingdom.
Zhuge Liang: (smirking) And what makes you think I care about your kingdom?
Zhang Fei: (puffing out his chest) Because I say so!
Liu Bei: (quickly stepping on Zhang Fei’s foot) Apologies, sir. We meant no disrespect.
Zhuge Liang: (laughs) Very well. I will consider your request. Come back tomorrow.
(They leave, muttering about how rude Zhuge Liang was.)
Scene 2: The Second Visit
Setting: Same cottage. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei return the next day, this time bringing gifts.
Liu Bei: (carrying a basket of fruit) Zhuge Liang, we have brought gifts!
Zhang Fei: (holding a pig) And food!
Guan Yu: (with a sack of coins) And money!
Liu Bei: (nervously) Sir, please consider helping us. Our people need guidance.
Zhuge Liang: (eyeing the gifts greedily) Hmm... very well. I will assist you. But only if you can answer my riddle.
Liu Bei: (eagerly) Of course! Ask away!
Zhuge Liang: (smirks) What has keys but can’t open locks?
Zhang Fei: (confused) A piano?
Liu Bei: (elated) Yes! That’s it!
Zhuge Liang: (nodding) Very good. You may stay.
(They cheer and sit down, thinking they’ve succeeded.)
Scene 3: The Third Visit
Setting: The same cottage. Liu Bei returns alone, determined to convince Zhuge Liang.
Liu Bei: (knocking gently) Zhuge Liang, I must speak with you.
Zhuge Liang: (opening the door) Ah, Liu Bei. Again?
Liu Bei: (bowing deeply) Yes, sir. I come humbly once more. Our kingdom needs you.
Zhuge Liang: (smiling) Very well. You’ve shown great persistence. I shall join you.
Liu Bei: (overjoyed) Truly, sir? Thank you!
Zhuge Liang: (grinning mischievously) On one condition – you must always remember to bring snacks.
(They all laugh as the curtain falls.)
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End Scene
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This humorous adaptation highlights the importance of perseverance and respect while adding a touch of comedy to a classic tale.
