Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/147

 soldiers. But now if you will I offer myself to you that we may together accomplish great designs.”

Liu Pei replied, “When the late Prefect died there was no one to administer Hsüchou and so I assumed that task for a time. Now since you are here, General, it is most suitable that I retire in your favour.”

Whereupon he handed the insignia and the seal to Lü Pu. Lü was on the point of accepting them when he saw Kuan and Chang, who stood behind the Prefect, glaring at him with angry eyes, so he put on a smile and said, “Lü may be something of a fighting man but he could not rule a place like this.”

Yüan-tê repeated his offer. Ch‘ên Kung said, “The strong guest does not oppress his host. You need not fear, O Prince Elect.”

Then Yüan-tê desisted. Banquets were held and dwelling places prepared for the guest and his retinue. As soon as convenient Lü Pu returned the feast. Liu Pei went with his two brothers. Half through the banquet Lü Pu requested his guest to retire to one of the inner private rooms, whither the brothers followed him. There Lü Pu bade his wife and daughters bow as to their benefactor. Here also Yüan-tê showed excessive modesty and Pu said, “Good younger brother, you need not be so very modest.”

Chang Fei heard what he said and his eyes glared. “What sort of a man are you that dares call our brother, ‘younger brother’?” cried he. “He is one of the ruling family (a golden branch, a jade leaf). Come out; and I will fight you three hundred bouts for the insult.”

Yüan-tê hastily checked the impulsive one and Kuan Yü persuaded him to go away. Then the host apologised saying, "My poor brother talks wildly after he has been drinking. I hope you will not blame him.”

Lü Pu nodded, but said nothing. Soon after the guests departed. But as the host escorted Liu Pei to his carriage he saw Chang Fei galloping up armed as for a fray.

“Lü Pu, you and I will fight that duel of three hundred!” shouted he.

Liu Pei bade Kuan Yü check him. Next day Lü Pu came to take leave of his host. “You, O Prince, kindly received me but I fear your brothers and I cannot agree. So I will seek some other asylum.”

“General, if you go, my brother’s fault becomes grave. My rude brother has offended and must eventually apologise. In the meantime what think you of a temporary sojourn at the town where I was encamped for some time, Hsiao-p‘ei? The place is small and mean, but it is near and I will see to it that you are supplied with all you need.”

Lü Pu thanked him and accepted this offer. He led his men there and took up residence. After he had gone Liu Pei