Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/286

 “What you say is much to the point. I will grant the three conditions,” said Ts‘ao.

Whereupon Chang Liao left to carry the news to Kuan Yü, still on the summit of the hill.

“Now I expect the army to withdraw so that I may enter the city to tell the two ladies what has been arranged. After that I submit at once.”

Chang Liao rode back once more with this request and the order was given for the army to retire ten li.

“Do not do this,” said Hsün Yü. “I fear treachery.”

“He will certainly not break faith,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. “He is too high principled.”

The army retired and Kuan Yü with his force re-entered the city, where he saw that the people were following their ordinary avocations in tranquillity. He came to the palace and went in to see the two ladies, who hastened to meet him. He bowed to them below the steps and said, “I apologise for having caused you to feel alarmed.”

“Where is the Uncle?” asked they.

“I know not whither he has gone.”

“What do you intend to do, brother-in-law?”

“I went out of the city to try a last battle. I was surrounded on a hill top and Chang Liao has urged me to yield. I proposed three conditions, all of which were conceded, and the enemy drew off to allow me to return to the city. Unless I have your decision, sisters-in-law, I scarcely dare to take any final step.”

They asked what were the conditions and were told. Then Kan Fu-jên said, “When Ts‘ao’s army came in we took it to mean certain death. But it is scarcely credible that not a hair of our heads has been disturbed, not a soldier has dared enter our doors. You have accepted the conditions, brother-in-law, and there is no need to ask our consent. Our only fear is that he will not let you go by and by to search for the Uncle.”

“Sisters-in-law, you need not be anxious. I will see to that.”

“You must decide everything and need not ask us women kind.”

Kuan Yü withdrew and then, with a small escort, went to his interview with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. Ts‘ao came to the outermost gate to welcome him and Kuan Yü dismounted and made obeisance. Ts‘ao returned his salute with the greatest cordiality.

“The leader of a defeated army is grateful for the graciousness that has preserved his life,” said Kuan Yü.

“I have so long admired your loyalty and high principles that this happy meeting gratifies the desire of my whole life,” replied Ts‘ao.

“As the Minister has granted the three requests which my friend petitioned for on my behalf there is now but little to discuss,” said Kuan.