Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/211

 Liu and Chang could not but affirm his complete understanding of the conditions.

On the advice of Chia Hsü then Liu Piao returned to Chingchou, while Chang Hsiu took up his position at Hsiangch‘êng so that each strengthened the other as the lips protect the teeth from cold.

When Ts‘ao, during his retreat, heard that his army was being pursued he hastily turned back to support the rear-guard. Then he saw the pursuing army draw off. The soldiers of the beaten rear-guard said, “Had it not been for the troop that came out of the hills we should all have been lost.”

“What troop?” asked Ts‘ao Ts‘ao in surprise.

The leader of the troop then advanced, slung his spear and, dismounting, made a low obeisance. He was Li T‘ung, a captain of some rank and reputation from Chianghsia.

Ts‘ao asked him why he had come.

Li T‘ung replied, “I was in command at Junan when I heard of the struggle going on, so I came to lend you any help I could.”

To show his gratitude Tsʻao conferred upon Li the title Marquis of Established Merit, and confirmed him in his command as a defence against Liu Piao. Then Li T‘ung took his leave.

On his return to the capital Tsʻao Tsʻao presented a memorial on the good services rendered by Sun Tsʻê and he was created Marquis of Wu with the title General “Captor of Rebels.” The messenger bearing the decree bore also the order to repress Liu Piao.

Tsʻao Tsʻao went to his palace and there received the ceremonial calls of congratulation. These finished, Hsün Yü asked, saying, “You, Sir, marched very leisurely to Anchung; how came it that you felt certain of victory?”

Tsʻao replied, “He who retires and finds his retreat cut off fights desperately. I retired slowly to entice them into following whereby I could do as I wished with them. Basing my movements on these considerations I felt secure.”

Hsün bowed his head in admiration.

When Kuo Chia entered Tsʻao said, “Why so late, Sir?”

The visitor drew a letter from his sleeve saying to his master, “Yüan Shao sends this saying he desires to send an army to attack Kungsun Tsan and wishes you to lend provisions and men.”

“I heard he was going to attack Hsütu; I suppose my return has made him change his intention,” said Tsʻao.

Then he opened the letter and read it. It was couched in very arrogant terms.

“He is so exceedingly rude that I will attack him,” said Tsʻao. “Only I think I am not quite strong enough. What should be done?”