Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/129

 In due course Mi Chu returned saying that K‘ung Jung had also obtained the services of the three warrior brothers. The other messenger, Ch‘ên Yüan-lung, came back and reported that T‘ien K‘ai would also bring help. Then was the Prefect’s heart set at ease.

But both the leaders, though they had promised aid, greatly dreaded their antagonist and camped among the hills at a great distance, fearful of coming to close quarters. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao knew of their coming and divided his army into parts to meet them, so postponing the attack on the city itself. Presently Liu Pei came up and went to see K‘ung Jung, who said, “The enemy is very powerful and Ts‘ao Ts‘ao handles his army skilfully. We must be cautious. Let us make most careful observations before we strike a blow.”

“What I fear is famine in the city,” said Liu Pei. “They cannot hold out very long. I will put my men with yours under your command while I with Chang Fei make a dash through to see T‘ao Ch‘ien and consult with him.”

K‘ung Jung approved of this, so he and T‘ien K‘ai took up positions on the “ox horn formation,” with Kuan Yü and Chao Yün on either side to support them.

The day that Liu Pei and his company made their dash to get through Ts‘ao’s army they got as far as the flank of his camp when there arose a great beating of drums, and horse and foot rolled out like billows on the ocean. The leader was Yü Chin. He checked his steed and called out, “You mad men from somewhere, where are you going?”

Chang Fei heard him but deigned no reply. He only rode straight to attack the speaker. After they had fought a few bouts Yüan-tê waved his double sword as signal for his men to come on and they drove Yü Chin before them. Chang Fei led the pursuit and in this way they reached the city wall.

From the city wall the besieged saw a huge banner embroidered in white with the name of Liu Pei and the Prefect bade them open the gate for the rescuers to enter. The leader was made very welcome, conducted to the residency and a banquet prepared in his honour. The men also were feasted.

T‘ao Ch‘ien was delighted with Liu Pei, admiring his noble appearance and clear speech. He bade Mi Chu offer him the seal and insignia of office. But the visitor shrank back startled.

“What does this mean?” said he.

T‘ao said, “There is trouble on every side and the kingly rule is no longer maintained. You, Sir, are a member of the family and eminently fitted to support them and their prerogatives. I am verging on senility and I wish to retire in your favour. I pray you not to decline and I will report my action to the Court.”

Liu Pei started up from his seat and bowed before his host saying, “Scion of the family I may be, but my merit is small