Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/315

 “He did not know.”

“Since he was ignorant of that I may not let him go,” and he gave the signal to his men to close in round Kuan Yü.

But Kuan Yü flourished his sword and made to attack them and a fight was again imminent, when a third rider appeared, who cried, “Yün-ch‘ang, give way and do not fight!”

The speaker was Chang Liao. Both combatants made no further move but awaited his arrival.

He said, “I bring the Minister’s order that since he has heard that Yün-ch‘ang has slain certain men on the way he fears that some will hinder his passage. Wherefore he has sent me to deliver his command at each gate that Kuan Yü is to be suffered to pass freely.”

Hsiahou Tun said, “Ch‘in Ch‘i was the son of Ts‘ai Yang’s sister, and he was confided to my especial care. Now this Kuan has killed him and how can I refrain?”

“When I see his uncle I will explain. But now the main point is that you have the Minister’s orders to let Kuan Yü pass and you may not despise his wish.”

So the only thing for Hsiahou Tun to do was to retire; and he did.

“Whither are you going?” then said Chang Liao to Kuan Yü.

“I fear my brother is no longer with Yüan Shao and now I am going to find him wherever he is.”

“As you do not know where to go, why not return to the Minister?”

“Where is the sense of that?” said Kuan Yü with a smile. “But, Wên-yüan, you return, and try to arrange pardon for my faults.”

With this he saluted Chang Liao and took his leave. Chang Liao retired and joined Hsiahou Tun.

Kuan Yü quickly regained the carriage, and as they went along side by side he told Sun Ch‘ien what had happened. Several days later a heavy rain storm came on which soaked everything. Looking about for protection they noticed a farm under the shelter of a precipice and took their way thither. An old man came out to them, to whom they told their story. When they had finished, the old fellow said, “My name is Kuo Ch‘ang and I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation.”

He quickly killed a sheep for their refreshment and brought out wine for the two men. The two ladies were entertained in the inner apartments. And while they refreshed themselves their baggage was put out to dry and their steeds were fed.

As the day closed in they saw several youths come along and their host said, “My son is come to pay his respects.”

“This is my stupid son,” said he, presenting a lad to Kuan Yü.

“What has he been doing?” asked Kuan.