Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/298

 Ts‘ao encouraged him to go and gave him five legions with Yü Chin and Yo Chin as captains under him. They were to leave soon.

Then Hsün Yü said privily to his master, “He always cherishes the idea of returning to Liu Pei. He will leave you if he hears any news. Do not let him go on this expedition.”

“If he does well this time I will not let him go into battle again,” said Ts‘ao.

In due time the force led by Kuan Yü drew near the rebels and made their camp. One night, just outside his camp, two spies were caught and taken in to Kuan who in one of them recognised Sun Ch‘ien. The attendants being dismissed Kuan Yü questioned him.

“After we lost sight of each other I have heard not a word of you; what are you doing here?”

“After I escaped I drifted hither and thither till I had the good fortune to reach Junan and Liu P‘i took me in. But why are you with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, General? And where are your sisters-in-law? Are they well?”

Kuan Yü told him all that had happened.

“I have heard lately that Liu Pei is with Yüan Shao. I would have liked to go and join him, but I have not found a convenient opportunity. Now the two men I am with have taken the side of Yüan Shao against Ts‘ao. By good luck you were coming here so I got command of a small party of scouts to be able to see you and tell you. Presently our two leaders will pretend to be defeated and you, and the two ladies, can go over to Yüan Shao. And you will see your brother.”

“Since he is there I certainly must go at once to see him. But it is a misfortune that I have slain two of Yüan Shao’s generals. I fear things are not in my favour,” said Kuan.

“Let me go first and see how the land lies; I will come back and tell you.”

“I would risk a myriad deaths to see my brother,” said Kuan Yü. “But I must go to say farewell to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.”

Sun Ch‘ien was sent away that night and next day Kuan Yü led out his men to offer battle. Kung Tu, in armour, went out to the front of the line of battle and Kuan Yü said, “You people, why have you risen against the government?”

“Why do you blame us when you have turned your back on your own lord?” replied Kung Tu.

“How have I turned my back on my lord?”

“Liu Yüan-tê is with Yüan Pên-ch‘u and you are with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao; what is that?”

Kuan Yü could not reply, but he whirled round his sword and rode forward. Tu fled and Kuan Yü followed. Tu turned and said to Kuan Yü, “I cannot forget my old chief’s kindness. Now attack as soon as you can and I will give up the defences.”