Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/383

 there came news that two captains, who had tendered their submission, had suddenly begun plundering the people in Chianghsia. They evidently meant rebellion. “If they really rebel it will cause a lot of trouble,” said Piao, rather dismayed.

“Do not let that trouble you, I will go and settle it,” said P‘ei.

Pleased with this proposal, Piao told off three legions and placed them under his friend, and the army marched as soon as the orders were issued. In a short time it reached the scene and the two malcontents came out to fight. Yüan-tê and his two brothers took their stand beneath the gicat banner and looked over at the enemy. The two leaders were riding handsome prancing horses and Yüan-tê said, “They certainly have fine steeds.”

As he spoke Chao Yün galloped out with his spear set and dashed toward the enemy. Chang Wu, one of the leaders, came out to meet him, but the combat was very brief for Chang was soon killed. Thereupon Chao Yün laid a hand upon the bridle of the fallen man’s horse to lead him back to his own side. The slain rebel’s companion Ch‘ên Sun at once rode after him, whereupon Chang Fei uttered a loud shout and rode out to meet him. With one thrust he slew the rebel. Their followers now scattered and Yüan-tê speedily restored order and returned.

Liu Piao, grateful for this service, rode out to the boundary to welcome the victors. They re-entered the city and grand banquets were instituted, at which they emptied great goblets in congratulations over the victory. At one of these banquets the Prefect said, “With such heroism as my brother has shown Chingchou has one upon whom to rely. But a source of sorrow is the south country Yueh, from which a raid may come at any time. Chang Lu and Sun Ch'üan are to be feared.”

“But I have three bold captains,” said Yüan-tê, “quite equal to any task you can set them. Send Chang Fei to keep ward on the southern marches, Kuan Yü to guard the city against Chang Lu and Chao Yün will protect you from Sun Ch‘üan. Why need you grieve?”

The scheme appealed strongly to the Prefect, but Ts‘ai Mao did not approve. So he spoke to his sister, Liu Piao’s wife, and insisted on the danger of putting these men in such commanding positions all round the prefecture. The lady Ts‘ai, thus influenced by her brother, undertook to remonstrate and that night began by saying, “The Chingchou men seem to have a great liking for Liu Pei; they are always coming and going. You ought to take precautions. I do not think you should let them stay in the city. Why not send them on some mission?”

“Yüan-tê is a good man,” replied the Prefect.

“I think others differ from you,” said the lady.

The Prefect said nothing but muttered to himself. Soon after he went out of the city to see Yüan-tê and noticed he was