Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/329

 “You say you take nothing; whence came your clothes and your food? The fact is you are one of the Yellow Turban kidney and you will work mischief if you are left alive.” “Take him away and put him to death,” continued he to his attendants.

Chang Chao interceded, “The Taoist has been here in the east these many years. He has never done any harm and does not deserve death or punishment.”

“I tell you I will kill these wizard fellows just as I would cattle.”

The officials in a body interceded, even the guest of honour Ch‘ên Chên, but in vain; Sun Ts‘ê refused to be placated. He ordered the Taoist to be imprisoned.

The banquet came to an end and the messenger retired to his lodging. Sun Ts‘ê also returned to his palace.

His treatment of the Taoist Holy Man was the theme of general conversation and soon reached the ears of his mother. She sent for her son to the ladies’ apartments and said to him, “They tell me you have put the Taoist in bonds. He has cured many sick people and the common folk hold him in great reverence. Do not harm him.”

“He is simply a wizard who upsets the multitude with his spells and craft. He must be put to death,” replied Ts‘ê.

She entreated him to stay his hand, but he was obstinate. “Do not heed the gossip of the street, mother,” said he. “I must be judge of these matters.”

However, he sent to the prison for the Taoist in order to interrogate him. Now the gaolers having a great respect for Yü Chi and faith in his powers were very indulgent to him and did not keep him in the collar. However when Ts‘ê sent for him he went with collar and fetters all complete.

Ts‘ê had heard of their indulgence and punished the gaolers so that the prisoner thereafter lay in constant torture. Chang Chao and some others, moved by pity, made a petition which they humbly presented and they offered to become surety for him.

Sun Ts‘ê said to them, “Gentlemen, you are all great scholars, but why do you not understand reason? Formerly in Chiaochou was a certain Governor Chang Ching, who was deluded by these vicious doctrines into beating drums, twanging lyres, burning incense and such things. He wore a red turban and represented himself as able to ensure victory to an army. But he was slain by the enemy. There is nothing in all this, only none of you will see it. I am going to put this fellow to death in order to stop the spread of this pernicious doctrine.”

Lü Fan interposed, “I know very well this Yü Chi can control the weather. It is very dry just now, why not make him pray for rain as an amercement?”

“We will see what sort of witchcraft he is equal to,” said Sun Ts‘ê.