Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/126

 into confusion and rushed pell-mell into the city for protection. The rebels then laid seige to the city on all sides. K‘ung Jung was very down-hearted and Mi Chu, who now saw no hope for the success of his mission, was grieved beyond words.

The sight from the city wall was exceeding sad, for the rebels were there in enormous numbers. One day as the Prefect stood on the wall, he saw a man armed with a spear riding hard in among his enemies and scattering them before him like chaff before the wind. Before long he had reached the foot of the wall and called out, “Open the gate!” But the defenders would not open to an unknown man and in the delay a crowd of rebels gathered round the rider along the edge of the moat. Suddenly wheeling about, the warrior dashed in among them and bowled over half a score at which the others fell back. At this the Prefect ordered the wardens to open the gates and let the stranger enter. As soon as he was inside he dismounted, laid aside his spear, ascended the wall and made humble obeisance to K‘ung Jung.

He said his name was T‘aishih Tz‘ŭ and he came from Laihuang. His aged mother had sent him out of gratitude for the kindness shown her by K‘ung. “I only returned home yesterday from the north and then I heard that your city was in danger from a rebel attack. My mother said you had been very kind to her and told me I should try to help. So I set out all alone and here I am.”

This was cheering. The Prefect already knew T‘aishih by reputation as a valiant fighting man although they two had never met. The son being far away from his home the Prefect had taken his mother, who dwelt a few miles from the city, under his especial protection and saw that she did not suffer from want. This had won the old lady’s heart and she had sent her son to show her gratitude.

K‘ung showed his appreciation by treating his guest with the greatest respect, making him presents of clothing and armour, saddles and horses.

Presently said T‘aishih, “Give me a company and I will go out and drive off these fellows.”

“You are a bold warrior, but these are very numerous. It is a serious matter to go out among them,” said K‘ung.

“My mother sent me because of your goodness to her. How shall I be able to look her in the face if I do not raise the siege? I would prefer to conquer or perish.”

“I have heard Liu Yüan-tê is one of the finest warriors in the world and if we could get his help there would be no doubt of the result. But there is no one to send.”

“I will go as soon as I have received your letter.”

So K‘ung wrote letters and gave them to his new helper. T‘aishih put on his armour, mounted his steed, attached his bow and quiver to his girdle, took his spear in his hand, tied