Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/248

 “Even if you would not put him to death you need not have let him go. As the proverb says, ‘Relax opposition for one day and age-long harm ensues.’ You must admit the truth of this.”

Ts‘ao recognised that these were prudent counsels so he sent Hsü Ch‘u with a half company and imperative orders to bring Yüan-tê back again.

Liu Pei was marching as rapidly as possible when he noticed a cloud of dust in the rear and remarked to his brothers, “Surely they are pursuing us.”

He halted and made a stockade and ordered his brothers to be in readiness, one on each flank. Presently the messenger arrived and found himself in the midst of an army ready for battle. He dismounted and entered the camp to speak with Yüan-tê.

“Sir, on what business have you come?” asked Pei.

“The Minister has sent me to request you to return as he has further matters to discuss with you.”

“When a general has once taken the field even the royal command is of no effect. I bade farewell to the Emperor, I received the Minister’s commands and there can be nothing further to talk about. You may return forthwith and take that as my reply.”

The messenger was undecided what action to take. He knew of the friendship that existed between the Minister and his late guest and he had no orders to kill. He could only return with this reply and ask further instructions. So he left. When he related what had occurred Ts‘ao still hesitated to take any action. His advisers urged upon him that this refusal to return meant enmity.

“Still, two of my men are with him,” said Ts‘ao. “He will not dare do anything unfriendly, I think. Beside, I sent him and I cannot go back on my own orders.”

So Yüan-tê was not pursued.

As soon as Ma T‘êng heard that Liu Pei had set forth he reported that pressing business called him and marched back to his own district.

When Yüan-tê reached Hsüchou the governor, Ch‘ê Chou, came to meet him, and when the official banquet was over, Sun Ch‘ien and Mi Chu came to visit him. Then he proceeded to his residence to greet his family.