CHAPTER II.
An Official is Thrashed; Uncle Ho Plots to Kill the Eunuchs.
It must here be told who this Tung Cho was. Cho, or Chung-ying, was born in the west at Lint‘ao in modern Shênsi. His father was a prefect. He himself was arrogant and overbearing. But the day he had treated the three brothers with contumely had been his last had not the two elders restrained their wrathful brother.
“Remember he has the government commission;” said Yüan-tê, “who are we to judge and slay?”
“It is bitter to take orders from such a wretch; I would rather slay him. You may stay here an you wish to, but I will seek some other place.”
“We three are one in life and in death; there is no parting for us. We will all go hence.”
So spake Yüan-tê and his brother was satisfied. Wherefore all three set out and lost no time in travelling till they came to Chu Chien, who received them well and accepted their aid in attacking Chang Pao.
At this time Ts‘ao Ts‘ao had joined himself to Huangfu Sung and they were trying to destroy Chang Liang and there was a great battle at Chuyang. At the same time Chang Pao was attacked. The rebel had led his men to a strong position in the rear of the hills. An attack being decided upon Yüan-tê was hsien-fêng, or leader of the van. On the rebel side a subordinate leader, Kao Hsing, came out to offer battle. Chang Fei was sent to smite him. Out rode Fei at full speed, his spear ready set. After a few bouts he wounded Kao, who was unhorsed. At this the main army had the signal to advance. Then Chang Pao, while still mounted, loosened his hair, grasped his sword and uttered his incantations. Thereupon began the wind to howl and the thunder to roll, while a dense black cloud from the heavens settled upon the field. And therein seemed to be horse and footmen innumerable, who swept to attack the imperial troops. Fear came upon them and Yüan-tê led off his men, but they were in disorder and returned defeated.
Chu Chien and Yüan-tê considered the matter. “He uses magic,” said Chien. “Tomorrow, then, will I prepare counter magic in the shape of the blood of slaughtered swine and goats and dogs. This blood shall be sprinkled upon their hosts from the precipices above by men whom they see not. Thus shall we be able to break the power of their black art.”
