Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/125

 questioned yours (Lao Tzŭ, whose name was Li Erh) concerning ceremonies. So our families have known each other for many generations.” His host was astonished at the boy’s ready wit.

Presently another visitor of high rank came in, to whom Li Ying told the story of his youthful guest. “He is a wonder, this boy,” said Li.

The visitor replied, “It does not follow that a clever boy grows up into a clever man.”

The lad took him up at once saying “By what you say, Sir, you were certainly one of the clever boys.”

They all laughed. “The boy is going to be a noble vessel,” said they.

Thus from boyhood he was famous. As a man he rose to be a Chung-lang Chiang, and was sent as Governor to Pohai, where he was renowned for hospitality. He used to quote the lines:—

“That is what I like,” said he.

After six years at Pohai the people were devoted to him. The day that Mi Chu arrived he was, as usual, seated among his guests and the messenger was ushered in without delay. In reply to a question about the reason of the visit he presented his letter which said that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was pressing on the city and the Prefect prayed for help.

Then said K‘ung Jung, “Your master and I are good friends and your presence here constrains me to go to his aid. However I have no quarrel with Ts‘ao Mêng-te either, so I will first write to him to try to make peace. If he refuses my offer, then I must set the army in motion.”

“Ts‘ao Ts‘ao will not listen to proposals of peace; he is too certain of his strength,” said the messenger.

K‘ung Jung wrote his letter and also gave orders to muster his men. Just at this moment happened another rising of the Yellow Turbans, and the ruffians began to rob and murder at Pohai. It was necessary to deal with them first and K‘ung led his army outside the city.

The rebel leader rode out to the front saying, “I know this district is fruitful and can well spare ten thousand ‘stone’ of grain. Give me that and we retire: refuse, and we will batter down the city walls and destroy every soul.”

The Prefect shouted back, “I am a servant of the great Hans, entrusted with the safety of their land. Think you I will feed rebels?”

The leader Kuan Hai whipped his steed, whirled his sword around his head and rode forward. Tsung Pao, one of K‘ung’s captains, set his spear and rode out to give him battle, but after a very few bouts was cut down. Soon the soldiers fell