Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/165

 when defeated and Pei gave him Hsiaop‘ei to live in. If these two agreed to join forces and attack, my position would be most serious. What precautions can be taken?”

Then rose Hsü Ch‘u, saying, “Give me five legions and I will give the Minister both their heads.”

Hsün Yü said, “O Leader, you are brave, but you are no strategist. You cannot start sudden war just as the capital has been changed. However, there is a certain ruse known as The Rival Tigers. Liu Pei has no decree authorising him to govern the district. You, Illustrious Sir, can procure one for him, and when sending it, and so conferring upon him right in addition to his might, you can enclose a private note telling him to get rid of Lü Pu. If he does, then he will have lost a vigorous warrior from his side and he could be dealt with as occasions serve. Should he fail, then Lü Pu will slay him. This is The Rival Tiger ruse; they wrangle and bite each other.”

Ts‘ao agreed that this was a good plan so he memorialised for the formal appointment, which he sent to Liu Pei. Pei was created General “Conqueror of the East” and a Marquis as well. At the same time a private note was enclosed.

When Liu Pei heard of the change of capitol he began to prepare a congratulatory address. In the midst of this an imperial messenger was announced and was met whichwith [sic] all ceremony outside the gate. When the epistle had been reverently received a banquet was prepared for the messenger.

The messenger said, “This decree was obtained for you by the Minister Ts‘ao.”

Yüan-tê thanked him. Then the messenger drew forth his secret letter. When he had read this Liu Pei said, “This matter can be easily arranged.”

The banquet over and the messenger conducted to his lodging to seek repose, Yüan-tê, before going to rest, called in his councillors to consider the letter.

“There need be no compunction about putting him to death,” said Chang Fei; “he is a bad man.”

“But he came to me for protection in his weakness, now can I put him to death? That would be immoral,” replied Liu Pei.

“If he was a good man; it would be difficult,” replied Fei.

Liu Pei would not consent. Next day, when Lü Pu came to offer congratulations, he was received as usual. He said, “I have come to felicitate you on the receipt of the imperial bounty.”

Liu Pei thanked him in due form. But then he saw Chang Fei draw his sword and come up the hall as if to slay Lü Pu. He hastily interfered and stopped him. Lü Pu was surprised and said, “Why do you wish to stay me, I-tê?”

“Ts‘ao Ts‘ao says you are immoral and tells my brother to kill you,” shouted Chang Fei.