Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/236

 with blood drawn by biting his finger. He gave the document to his consort to sew into the purple lining of the girdle. When all was done he put on the robe and girded it with the girdle. Next he bade one of the attendants summon Uncle Tung to the palace.

Tung Ch‘êng came and after the ceremonies were finished the Emperor said, “A few nights ago I was talking with the Empress of the terrible days of the rebellion and we thought of your good services then, therefore we have called you in to reward you.”

The minister bowed his head in thanks. Then the Emperor led Tung out of the Reception Hall to the T‘ai Miao or Temple of Ancestors, and they went to the gallery of Worthy Ministers, where the Emperor burned incense and performed the usual ceremonies. After this they went to see the portraits and among them was one of the Founder of the Dynasty, Han Kao-Tsu.

“Whence sprang our great ancestor and how did he begin his great achievement?” said the Emperor.

“Your Majesty is pleased to joke with thy servant,” said Tung Ch‘êng, rather startled at the question. “Who does not know the deeds of the Sacred Ancestor? He began life as a minor official in Ssŭshang. There gripping his sword he slew the White Serpent, the beginning of his struggle for the right. Speedily he mastered the Empire; in three years had destroyed Ts‘in and, in five, also Ch‘u. Thus he set up a Dynasty that shall endure for ever.”

“Such heroic forefathers! such weakling descendants! How sad it is!” said the Emperor.

Pointing to the portraits right and left he continued, “Are not these two Chang Liang, Marquis Liu, and Hsiao Ho, Marquis Ts‘uan?”

“Certainly. Your great ancestor was greatly assisted by these two.”

The Emperor glanced right and left. His attendants were rather far away. Then he whispered to Tung Ch‘êng, “You, like these two, must stand by me.”

“My poor services are of no worth; I do not compare with those men,” said the Uncle.

“I remember that you saved me at the western capital. I have never forgotten and I could never reward you.” Then pointing to his own robe the Emperor continued, “You must wear this robe of mine, girded with my own girdle, and it will be as though you are always near your Emperor.”

Tung Ch‘êng bowed his gratitude while the Emperor, taking off the robe, presented it to his faithful Minister. At the same time he whispered, “Examine it closely when you get home, and help your Emperor carry out his intention.”

Tung Ch‘êng understood. He put on the robe and the girdle, took leave and left the chamber.