Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/228

 orders to turn the streams back into their usual courses. He put out proclamations soothing the people.

He and Liu Pei seated themselves side by side in the White Gate Tower, with Kuan Yü and Chang Fei in attendance. The captives, to the number of a thousand, were brought before them. Lü Pu looked a pitiable object. Although a very tall man he was tied up in a veritable ball.

“The bonds are very tight,” cried he, “I beseech you to loosen them.”

“A bound tiger frets of course,” replied Ts‘ao.

Seeing the three traitors standing there looking pleased at their success Pu said, “I treated you all well enough; how could you turn against me?”

Said Sung Hsien, “You listened to the words of your women, but rejected the advice of your captains. Was not that mean?”

Lü Pu was silent. Then Kao Shun was brought forward.

“What have you to say?” asked Ts‘ao.

Shun sulkily held his tongue and was ordered out to execution.

Next Ch‘ên Kung was led in.

“I hope you have been well since we last saw each other, Kungt‘ai?” said Ts‘ao.

“Your ways were crooked and so I left you,” said Ch‘ên.

“You say I was crooked; and what of your serving Lü Pu?”

“Though he was a fool, he did not resemble you in deceit and wickedness.”

“You say you are able enough and clever, but what about your position to-day?”

Turning toward Lü Pu, Ch‘ên Kung said, “This man would not follow my advice. Had he done so he would not now be a captive.”

“What think you ought to be done about this day’s work?” said Ts‘ao.

“There is death for me to-day and that is the end,” shouted Ch‘ên Kung.

“Very well for you; but what of your mother and your wife?”

“It is said that he who rules with due regard to filial piety does not harm a man’s family; he who would show benevolence does not cut off the sacrifices at a man’s tomb. My mother and my wife are in your hands. But since I am your prisoner I pray you to slay me quickly and not to try to harrow my feelings.”

Ts‘ao’s heart still leaned toward mercy, but Ch‘ên Kung turned and walked away, repulsing the attendants who would stop him. Ts‘ao rose from his place and walked with him, the tears falling from his eyes. Ch‘ên Kung never looked at him. Turning to his men Ts‘ao said, “Let his mother and family be taken to Hsütu and looked after. This insolent fellow must die.”