Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/128

 The victors were welcomed into the city and as soon as possible a banquet was prepared in their honour. Mi Chu was presented to Liu Yüan-tê and he related the story of the murder of Ts‘ao Sung by Chang K‘ai and Ts‘ao’s vengeful attack on Hsüchou and his coming to beg for assistance.

Yüan-tê said, “T‘ao Kung-tsu is a kindly man of high character, and it is a pity that he should suffer this wrong for no fault of his own.”

“You are a scion of the imperial family,” said the Prefect, “and this Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is injuring the people, a strong man abusing his strength. Why not go with me to rescue the sufferers?”

“I dare not refuse, but my force is weak and I must act cautiously,” said Liu Pei.

“Though my desire to help arises from an old friendship, yet it is a righteous act as well. Is it that your heart is not inclined toward the right?” said K‘ung.

Liu Pei said, “This being so, you go first and give me time to see Kungsun Tsan from whom I may borrow more men and horses. I will come anon.”

“You surely will not break your promise?” said the Prefect.

“What manner of man think you that I am?” said Yüan-tê. “The wise one said, ‘Death is common to all: the man without truth cannot maintain himself.’ Whether I get the men or not, certainly I shall myself come.”

So the plan was agreed to. Mi Chu set out to return forthwith while K‘ung Jung prepared for his expedition.

T‘aishih Tz‘ŭ took his leave saying, “My mother bade me come to your aid and now happily you are safe. Letters have come from my fellow townsman, Liu Yu, Governor of Yangchou, calling me thither and I must go. I will see you again.”

Kʻung pressed rewards upon him but he would accept nothing and went away. When his mother saw him she was pleased at his success saying she rejoiced that he had been able to prove his gratitude, and after this he departed for Yangchou.

Here nothing will be said of the departure of the relieving force. But Yüan-tê went away to his friend Kungsun Tsan and laid before him his design to help Hsüchou.

“Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and you are not enemies; why do you spend yourself for the sake of another?” said Tsan.

“I have promised,” he replied, “and dare not break faith.”

“I will lend you two companies, horse and foot,” said Tsan.

“Also I wish to have the services of Chao Tzŭ-lung,” said Yüan-tê.

Tsan agreed to this also.

They marched away, their own men being in the front and Chao Tzŭ-lung, with the borrowed men, being in rear.