Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/323

 “Really I like him,” said Shao. “I was only joking. You can send another messenger for him and tell him to come soon.”

“May I send Sun Ch‘ien for him?”

“Certainly.”

After Yüan-tê had gone Chien Yung came in and said to Shao, “If Yüan-tê goes he will not come back. I had better go to speak to Liu Piao. And I can keep a watch on Liu Pei.”

Yüan Shao agreed and issued orders for both to go.

On the subject of the mission Kuo T‘u came in to his chief to dissuade him. Said he, “He went to speak to Liu Pʻi, but he accomplished nothing. Now you are sending Chien Yung with him and I am sure neither will ever return.”

“Do not be too suspicious,” said Shao. “Chien Yung is clever enough.”

That was the end of the interview. Forthwith Yüan-tê sent Sun Ch‘ien back to Kuan Yü and then, with Chien Yung, took leave of Yüan Shao and rode out of the city. As soon as they reached the border line they met Sun Chʻien and all three rode off to Kuan Ting’s farm to meet Kuan Yü. He came out to welcome them, bowed and then seized his brother’s hands while tears streamed down his face.

Presently the two sons of their host came to bow to the visitors. Liu Pei asked their names.

“These are of the same name as myself,” said Kuan Yü.

“The sons are Kuan Ning, who is a student, and Kuan P‘ing, who is to be a soldier.”

“I have been thinking of sending the younger in your train, General,” said old Kuan, “would you take him?”

“What is his age?” said Liu Pei.

“He is eighteen.”

Liu Pei said, “Since, O Senior, you are so kind I venture to suggest that your son should be adopted by my brother, who has no son of his own. What think you of that?”

Kuan Ting was perfectly willing, so he called his younger son and bade him make a son’s obeisance to Kuan Yü and to style Yüan-tê, “Uncle.”

Then it was time to get on their way lest they should be pursued and with them went Kuan P‘ing in the train of his “father.” The lad’s real father escorted them a short distance and then left. They took the road to Sleeping Bull Hill. Before they had gone very far they met Chou Ts‘ang with a small party. He was wounded. He was introduced to Yüan-tê who asked him how it was. He replied, “Before I reached the Hill a certain warrior, all alone, had fought with my friend P‘ei and killed him. Then many of our men surrendered to him and he occupied our old camp. When I reached it I tried to allure the soldiers back to my side but only succeeded with a few. The others were too afraid. I got angry and engaged