Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/91

 could only just get his master safe out of the press. When clear they both returned to the bridge. But Yüan’s men still came on and fought their way across the bridge, forcing multitudes of their adversaries into the water, where many were drowned.

Yüan was leading in person and his men still advanced. But not very far, for soon a great shouting was heard behind some hills, whence suddenly burst out a body of men led by the three brothers.

At P‘ingyüan they had heard of the struggle between their protector and his enemy, Yüan Shao, and had at once set out to help. Now the three riders, each with his peculiar weapon, flew straight at Yüan, who was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body and fly beyond the confines of heaven. His sword fell from his hand and he fled for his life. He was chased across the bridge when Kungsun Tsan called in his men and they returned to camp.

After the usual greetings Kungsun said, “If you had not come to our help, we should have been in very bad case.”

Yüan-tê and Chao Yün were made acquainted with each other and a warm affection sprang up from the very first so that they were always together.

Yüan had lost that battle and Kungsun Tsan would not risk another. He strengthened his defences and the armies lay inactive for over a month. In the meantime news of the fighting had reached the capital and Tung Cho was told.

His adviser, Li Ju, went to see his master and said, “The two active warriors of to-day are Yüan Shao and Kungsun Tsan, who are at grips at P‘anho. Pretend you have a command to make peace between them and both will support you out of gratitude for your intervention.”

“Good!” said Tung Cho. So he sent a Grand Preceptor and a Court Chamberlain on the mission. When these men were arriving Yüan sent out to welcome them a hundred li from his headquarters and received the command with the greatest respect. Then the two officers went to Kungsun Tsan and made known their errand. Kungsun sent letters to his adversary proposing friendship. The two emissaries returned to report their task accomplished. Kungsun drew off his army. He also sent up a memorial eulogising Liu Yüan-tê, who was raised in rank.

The farewell between Liu Pei and Chao Yün was affecting. They held each other’s hands a long time, their eyes streaming with tears, and could not tear themselves apart.

Chao Yün said with a sob, “I used to think Kungsun noble, but I see now that he is no different from Yüan. They are both alike.”

“But you are in his service, and we shall surely meet again,” said Yüan-tê.