Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/290

 before leaving. If he gets no chance of such a thing, he will not be able to go.”

Ts‘ao Ts‘ao agreed that this was so.

The story of Yüan-tê broke off at the point when he went to Yüan Shao for refuge. Here he was always sorrowful and, when asked the reason, said he did not know where his brothers were nor what had happened to his family since they fell into the hands of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.

“Why should I not be sad when I have failed towards my country and my family?” said he.

“I have long wished to attack Hsütu,” said Yüan Shao. “Now it is autumn and just the time for an expedition, so let us discuss plans for the destruction of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.”

T‘ien Fêng at once opposed this. “When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao attacked Hsüchou and Hsütu was undefended you let the chance slip by. Now that Hsüchou has been captured and the soldiers are flushed with victory it would be madness to attempt it. It is necessary to await another chance.”

“Let me think about it,” said Yüan Shao.

He asked advice from Yüan-tê, whether to attack or to hold on.

Yüan-tê replied, “Ts‘ao is a rebel. I think you are failing in your duty if you do not attack him.”

“Your words are good,” said Shao.

He made up his mind to move. But again the adviser T‘ien intervened. Then Shao grew angry, saying, “You fellows who cultivate literature and despise war have made me miss a lot.”

T‘ien Fêng bowed his head and said, “Neglect your servant’s wise words and you will fail in the field.”

Yüan Shao was so angry that he wanted to put him to death. However Yüan-tê begged him off and he was only imprisoned.

Seeing the fate of his colleague another adviser, Chu Shou by name, assembled his clan and distributed among them all his possessions, saying, “I go with the army. If we succeed, then nothing can exceed our glory, but if we are defeated, the risk I run is great.”

His friends wept as they said farewell.

Yen Liang was appointed to the command of the advance guard, to go to attack Paima. Then Chu Shou first protested, “His mind is too narrow for such a post. He is brave but unequal to such a trust.”

“You are not the sort of man to measure my best generals,” replied Shao.

The army marched to Liyang and the Prefect sent an urgent call to Hsüch‘ang for aid. Ts‘ao moved his armies hastily. As soon as the news of battle got about Kuan Yü went to see the Minister and asked that he might go with the first body.

“I scarcely dare put you to such inconvenience, but presently, if need arises, I will call upon you.”