Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/189

 He first married a lady of the Yen family and she was the legal wife. Then he took Little Cicada as a concubine, and while he was living at Hsiaop‘ei he had married a secondary wife, a daughter of Ts‘ao Pao. She had died quite young leaving no issue. Neither had his concubine borne any children. So that he had but one child, this daughter, of whom he was dotingly fond.

When he broached the subject his wife said, “The Yüan’s have dominated their part of the country these many years. They have a large army and are very prosperous. One day a Yüan will become Emperor and our daughter may hope to be an Empress. But how many sons has he?”

“Only this one.”

“Then we should accept the offer. Even if our daughter does not become an Empress, Hsüchou is nothing to be sad about.”

Lü Pu decided to accept and so treated the messenger with extreme generosity. Han Yin went back with a favourable answer. The wedding gifts were then prepared ready for Han Yin to take to the bride’s family. They were received and banquets and merry-making filled all the time.

One day Ch‘ên Kung went tosee the messenger in his lodging, and when the usual ceremonies and greetings had been exchanged, the two men sat down to talk. When the servants had been sent out of earshot Ch‘ên Kung said, “Who originated this scheme by which Yüan Shu and Lü Pu are to become connections by this marriage so that Liu Pei’s head may fall?”

Han Yin was terrified. “I pray you not to let it get abroad,” said he.

“I certainly shall keep it secret. But if there be any delay some other person will find it out and that spells failure.”

“What had best be done?”

“I will see Lü Pu and get him to send the girl immediately so that the marriage may be concluded quickly.”

“If it happened thus my master would indeed hold you in high respect.”

With this Ch‘ên Kung took his leave and sought an interview with Lü Pu.

“I hear your daughter is to be married to Yüan Shu’s son. That is capital, but no one knows when.”

“That has yet to be considered.”

“There were certain fixed rules as to the period between sending presents and consummation of the marriage; Emperors, a year; nobles, half a year; high officers, three months; and common people, one month.”

Lü Pu replied, “As to Yüan Kung-lu, Heaven has already put into his hands one Imperial jewel and he will surely arrive at the dignity one day. So, I should think the Imperial rule would apply.”