CHAPTER XXVIII.
Ts‘ai Yang put to Death, the Brothers’ Doubts Disappear:
Meeting at Kuch‘eng, Lord and Liege Fortify each Other.
Sun Ch‘ien had joined Kuan Yü in escorting the two ladies and they were on the road to Junan when Hsiahou Tun suddenly determined to pursue. So with a couple of hundred horse he set out. When he was seen approaching, Kuan Yü bade Sun Ch‘ien go ahead with the carriage while he remained to deal with the pursuers. When they were near enough Kuan Yü said, “In coming after me thus you do not reinforce the magnanimity of your master.”
Replied Hsiahou Tun, “The Minister has sent no definite instructions. You have caused the death of several people, among them one of my lieutenants, and so I have come to capture you. You have behaved most grossly. He will decide.”
Thereupon he dashed forward with his spear ready to thrust. But at that moment a rider came up behind him at full gallop crying, “You must not fight with Yün-ch‘ang.”
Kuan Yü stayed his steed at once and waited. The messenger came up, drew from his bosom an official letter and said to Hsiahou Tun, “The Minister loves General Kuan for his loyalty and honour, and fearing lest he might be stopped at the various passes, he sent me with this letter to show when necessary at any point on the road.”
“But this Kuan has slain several commanders of the passes; does the Minister know that?” said Tun.
The messenger said these things were unknown.
“Then,” said Tun, “I will arrest him and take him to the Minister, who may set him free or not as he wills.”
“Do you think I fear anything you can do?” said Kuan Yü getting wrathful.
And he rode forward. Tun, nothing loth, set his spear and prepared for battle. They met and had reached the tenth encounter when a second horseman came up at full speed, crying, “Generals, wait a little!”
Hsiahou Tun stayed his hand and asked the messenger, saying, “Am I to arrest him?”
“No,” replied the messenger. “Fearing lest he should have difficulties at the passes the Minister has sent me with a despatch to say he is to be released.”
“Did the Minister know that he had slain several men on the way?”
“He did not know.”
“Since he was ignorant of that I may not let him go,” and he gave the signal to his men to close in round Kuan Yü.
But Kuan Yü flourished his sword and made to attack them and a fight was again imminent, when a third rider appeared, who cried, “Yün-ch‘ang, give way and do not fight!”
The speaker was Chang Liao. Both combatants made no further move but awaited his arrival.
He said, “I bring the Minister’s order that since he has heard that Yün-ch‘ang has slain certain men on the way he fears that some will hinder his passage. Wherefore he has sent me to deliver his command at each gate that Kuan Yü is to be suffered to pass freely.”
Hsiahou Tun said, “Ch‘in Ch‘i was the son of Ts‘ai Yang’s sister, and he was confided to my especial care. Now this Kuan has killed him and how can I refrain?”
“When I see his uncle I will explain. But now the main point is that you have the Minister’s orders to let Kuan Yü pass and you may not despise his wish.”
So the only thing for Hsiahou Tun to do was to retire; and he did.
“Whither are you going?” then said Chang Liao to Kuan Yü.
“I fear my brother is no longer with Yüan Shao and now I am going to find him wherever he is.”
“As you do not know where to go, why not return to the Minister?”
“Where is the sense of that?” said Kuan Yü with a smile. “But, Wên-yüan, you return, and try to arrange pardon for my faults.”
With this he saluted Chang Liao and took his leave. Chang Liao retired and joined Hsiahou Tun.
Kuan Yü quickly regained the carriage, and as they went along side by side he told Sun Ch‘ien what had happened. Several days later a heavy rain storm came on which soaked everything. Looking about for protection they noticed a farm under the shelter of a precipice and took their way thither. An old man came out to them, to whom they told their story. When they had finished, the old fellow said, “My name is Kuo Ch‘ang and I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation.”
He quickly killed a sheep for their refreshment and brought out wine for the two men. The two ladies were entertained in the inner apartments. And while they refreshed themselves their baggage was put out to dry and their steeds were fed.
As the day closed in they saw several youths come along and their host said, “My son is come to pay his respects.”
“This is my stupid son,” said he, presenting a lad to Kuan Yü.
“What has he been doing?” asked Kuan.
“He has just come in from hunting.”
The young fellow went out. The old man continued, “All my family have been farmers or scholars. He is my only son and instead of following in the footsteps of his ancestors he cares for nothing but gadding about and hunting, unhappily.”
“Why unhappily?” said Kuan Yü. “In these days of disorder a good soldier can make a name for himself.”
“If he would only learn the military arts that would be something of a career, but he is nothing but a vagabond and does everything he should not. He is a grief to me.”
Kuan Yü sighed in sympathy. The old gentleman stayed till a late hour and when he took his leave his two guests began to prepare for rest.
Suddenly outside there arose a great hubbub, men shouting and horses neighing. Kuan Yü called to his people, but as no one answered he and his companion drew their swords and went into the stable yard. There they found their host’s son on the ground shouting to his followers to fight. Kuan Yü asked what it was all about and his men told him that the young fellow had tried to steal Red Hare, but had been badly kicked. They had heard shouting and had gone to see what it meant when the farm people had set on them.
Kuan Yü was very wrathful. “You mean thieves! Would you steal my horse?” cried he.
But before he could do anything his host came running out saying, “It was not with my consent that my son did this evil thing. I know he is very guilty and deserves death. But his mother loves him tenderly and I pray you to be generous and pardon him.”
“Really he is unworthy of his father,” said Kuan Yü. “What you told me shows he is a degenerate. For your sake I pardon him.”
Then he told his own people to keep a better lookout, sent the farm people about their business and, in company with Sun Ch‘ien, went away to rest.
Next morning both host and hostess were up betimes waiting to thank him for forgiving their son’s mad freak. “My currish son has insulted your tiger dignity, I know, and I am deeply affected by your kindness in not punishing him,” said the old man.
“Bring him here and I will talk to him,” said Kuan Yü.
“He went out before daylight with a lot of his fellow-rogues and I know not where he is.”
So Kuan Yü bade them farewell, got the ladies into their carriage and they moved out of the farmyard, the two warriors riding abreast as escort. They took the road toward the hills.
Before they had gone far they saw a large party of men, led by a couple of riders, pouring down one of the gullies. One of the riders wore a yellow turban and a battle robe. The other was Kuo Ch‘ang’s son. The wearer of the turban called out saying, “I am one of the captains of the Celestial Duke, Chang Chio. Whoever you may be, leave that horse you are riding for me. You may then go free.”
Kuan Yü greeted the speech with a hearty laugh.
“O you mad ignoramus! If you had ever been with Chang Chio as a bandit you would have learned to know Liu, Kuan and Chang, the three brothers.”
“I have heard of the ruddy long beard called Kuan but I have never seen him. Who may you be?”
Kuan Yü then laid aside his sword, stopped his horse and drew off the bag that covered his beard thus showing its magnificence.
The turban wearer immediately slipped out of the saddle, laid an angry hand on his companion and they both bowed low in front of Kuan Yü’s steed.
“Who are you?” asked Kuan Yü.
“I am P‘ei Yüan-shao. After the death of Chang Chio I was left forlorn and I got together a few others like myself and we took refuge in the forests. This morning early this fellow came to tell us that a guest at his father’s farm had a valuable horse and proposed tome to steal it. I did not think I should meet you, General.”
The wretched youth Kuo implored that his life might be spared and Kuan Yü pardoned him for his father’s sake. He covered his face and crept away.
“You did not recognise me; how then did you know my name?” asked Kuan Yü.
P‘ei replied, “Not far from here is a mountain called the Sleeping Bull, where lives a certain Chou Ts‘ang, a very powerful man who came from the west. He has a stiff curly beard and looks very handsome. He also was a captain in the rebel army, who took to the forest when his leader perished. He has told me a lot about you but I have never had the happiness of seeing you.”
Said Kuan Yü, “Under the greenwood tree is no place for a hero’s foot. You had better abandon this depraved life and return to the path of virtue. Do not work out your own destruction.”
As they were talking a troop of horsemen appeared in the distance. They were the men of Chou Ts‘ang, as P‘ei said, and Kuan Yü waited for them to approach. The leader was very dark complexioned, tall and armed with a spear. As soon as he drew near enough to see he exclaimed joyfully, “This is General Kuan.”
In a moment he had slipped out of the saddle and was on his knees by the roadside.
“Chou Ts‘ang renders obeisance,” said he.
Said Kuan Yü, “O warrior, where have you known me?”
“I was one of the Yellow Turbans and I saw you then. My one regret was that I could not join you. Now that my good fortune has brought me here I hope you will not reject me. Let me be one of your foot soldiers to be always near you to carry your whip and run by your stirrup. I will cheerfully die for you.”
As he seemed thoroughly in earnest Kuan Yü said, “But if you follow me, what of your companions?”
“They may do as they please; follow me or go their ways.”
Thereupon they all shouted, “We will follow.”
Kuan Yü dismounted and went to ask the ladies what they thought of this. The Lady Kan replied, “Brother-in-law, you have travelled thus far alone and without fighting men; you have safely passed many dangers and never wanted their assistance. You refused the service of Liao Hua, why then suffer this crowd? But this is only a woman’s view and you must decide.”
“What you say, sister-in-law, is to the point.”
Therefore returning to Chou Ts‘ang he said, “It is not that I am lacking in gratitude but my sisters-in-law do not care for a large following. Wherefore return to the mountains till I shall have found my brother when I will surely call you.”
Chou Ts‘ang replied, “I am only a rough uncouth fellow, wasting his life as a brigand. Meeting you, General, is like seeing the full sun in the skies and I feel that I can never bear to miss you again. As it might be inconvenient for all my men to follow you I will bid my companion lead them away, but I will come and follow you on foot wherever you go.”
Kuan Yü again asked his sisters-in-law what they thought of this. Lady Kan said one or two made no difference and so Kuan Yü consented. But P‘ei Yüan-shao was not satisfied with this arrangement and said he wished also to follow.
Chou said, “If you do not stay with the band they will disperse and be lost. You must take command for the moment and let me accompany General Kuan. As soon as he has a fixed abode I will come to fetch you.”
Somewhat discontentedly P‘ei Yüan-shao accepted the situation and marched off, while his one-time colleague joined the train of Kuan Yü and they went toward Junan. They travelled quickly for some days and then they saw a city on a hill. From the natives they heard that the city was called Kuch‘êng and that a few months before a warrior had suddenly appeared, driven out the magistrates and taken possession. Then he had begun to recruit men, buy up horses and lay in stores. The warrior’s name was Chang Fei. Now he had a large force and no one in the neighbourhood dared face him.
“To think that I should find my brother like this!” said Kuan Yü, delighted. “I have had never a word of him, nor knew I where he was since Hsü-chou fell.”
So he despatched Sun Ch‘ien into the city to tell its new commander to come out to meet him and provide for their sisters-in-law.
Now, after being separated from his brothers, Chang Fei had gone to the Mangyang Hills, where he had remained a month or so while he sent far and near for tidings of Yüan-tê. Then as he happened to pass Kuch‘êng he had sent in to borrow some grain, but had been refused. In revenge, he had driven away the magistrate and taken possession of the city. He found the place well suited to his needs at the moment.
As directed by Kuan Yü, Sun Ch‘ien entered the city and, after the usual ceremonies, told Chang Fei the news of both his brothers; that Yüan-tê had left Yüan Shao and gone to Junan and that Kuan Yü, with their sisters-in-law, was at his gates. Chang Fei listened without a word till he came to the request to go out to meet him. At that point he called for his armour and, when he had put it on, laid hold of his long spear, mounted and rode out with a large company at his back. Sun Ch‘ien was too astonished to ask what this meant and simply followed.
Kuan Yü was very glad when he saw his brother coming, put up his weapons and, with Chou Ts‘ang at his back, rode toward him at full speed. But as he approached he saw all the signs of fierce anger on his brother’s face and he roared as he shook his spear, threatening his brother.
Kuan Yü was entirely taken aback and called out anxiously, “Brother, what does this mean? Is the Peach Garden Pledge quite forgotton?”
“What impudence is this that you come to see me since your disgraceful behaviour?” shouted Chang.
“What disgraceful behaviour has been mine?” said Kuan Yü.
“You have betrayed your brother, you have surrendered to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and you have received title and office at his hands. And now you are come to exploit me. One of us shall die.”
Kuan said, “Really you do not understand and it is hard for me to explain. But ask the two ladies here, worthy brother, and they will tell you.”
At this the ladies lifted the curtain of the carriage and called out, “Brother, why is this?”
Fei said, “Wait a while, sisters, and see me slay this traitor. After that I will conduct you into the city.”
Said the Lady Kan, “Since he knew not where you were our brother took shelter with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. And since he knew that his elder brother was at Junan he has braved every danger to escort us thus far on the road. Pray take a correct view of his conduct.”
The Lady Mi also chimed in, “When your brother went to Hsütu no other course was open to him.”
“Sisters, do not let him blind you to the truth. Real loyalty prefers death to dishonour. No good man can serve two masters.”
Kuan Yü said, “Brother, cease to wrong me I pray you.”
Sun Ch‘ien said, “Yün-ch‘ang came expressly to seek you.”
“How much more nonsense will you talk?” roared Chang Fei. “How can he be true-hearted? He came to capture me, I say.”
“Had I come to capture you, I should have come with men and horses,” said Kuan Yü.
“And are there not men and horses?” said Chang Fei pointing to a point behind Kuan Yü.
Kuan Yü turned and there he saw a cloud of dust rising as though a squadron of horse was coming. And soon they were near enough and from their trumpets and banners they showed themselves to be of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s army.
“Now will you try to cajole me further?” cried Chang Fei in a rage.
He set his long spear and was just coming on when Kuan Yü said, “Brother, wait a while; see me slay the leader of these that I may prove myself no traitor.”
“Well, if you are really true, prove it by slaying that leader, whoever he may be, before I have finished three rolls of the drum.”
Chang Fei’s condition was accepted. Soon the attacking force was near enough to make out the leader to be Ts‘ai Yang. Sword in hand he rode at full speed, crying, “So I have found you, slayer of my nephew! I have a command to capture you and will execute it.”
Kuan Yü made no reply. Raising his sword ready to strike he moved out and the drums began to beat. Before a roll could be completed the fight was over and Ts‘ai Yang’s head had rolled on the ground. His men scattered and fled. Kuan Yü, however, captured the young ensign-bearer and questioned him. The youth said that in very truth the Minister had not given an order. Incensed at the loss of his nephew, Ts‘ai wished to pursue and attack Kuan Yü although the Minister refused permission. To satisfy him he had sent Ts‘ai to attack Junan and the meeting at this place was entirely an accident.
Kuan Yü bade him repeat this story to his brother. Chang Fei also questioned him concerning all that had happened in the capital and the recital of the whole story satisfied him of the fidelity of Kuan Yü.
Just then messengers came from the city to Chang Fei to say that some scores of horsemen had arrived at the south gate. They seemed in a great hurry but no one knew them. Chang Fei, with still a lingering doubt in his mind, went to look at the newcomers and there saw a score or two of mounted archers with light bows and short arrows. Hastily dismounting to see them better he found they were Mi Chu and Mi Fang. Quickly slipping out of the saddle they came up and Mi Chu said, “After the dispersal at Hsü-chou when we lost sight of you we returned to our village whence we sent all around for news of you. We heard that Kuan Yü had surrendered to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and our lord was in Hopei. The one of whom we could hear nothing was yourself. But yesterday, while on our way, we fell in with some travellers who told us a certain General Chang, of such and such an appearance, had suddenly occupied Kuch‘êng and we felt it must be you. So we came to enquire and we happily fell in with you here.”
Fei replied, “Kuan Yü and Sun Ch‘ien are here and my two sisters are with them. They had heard where my elder brother was.”
This news added to the joy of the two newcomers who went to see Kuan Yü and the women and then they all entered the city. When the ladies had settled down a little they related the whole story of the adventures on the road at which Chang Fei was overcome with remorse and bowed before his brother bitterly weeping. The brothers Mi were greatly affected. Then Chang Fei related what had happened to him.
A day was spent in banquets and next day Chang Fei wished his newly found brother to go with him to Junan to see their elder brother Yüan-tê. But Kuan Yü said, “No; you take care of the ladies here while Sun Ch‘ien and I go to get news.”
So Kuan Yü and Sun Ch‘ien with a small escort set out. When they reached Junan they were received by Liu P‘i who told them their brother was no longer in the city. After waiting some days he had come to the conclusion that the soldiers were too few and had gone back to Yüan Shao to consult with him.
Kuan Yü was greatly disappointed and his companion did his best to console him. “Do not be sorrowful; it only means the trouble of another journey into Hopei to tell Uncle Liu and then we can all meet at Kuch‘êng.”
So spoke Sun Ch‘ien and Kuan Yü accepted it. They took leave of Liu P‘i and returned to Kuch‘êng where they related what had happened. Chang Fei wanted to go with them into Hopei, but Kuan Yü opposed this, saying, “Seeing you have this city it makes a rallying point for us and a resting place. We must not abandon it lightly. We two will go and while away we look to you to keep the city safe.”
“How can you go after killing the two generals, Yen Liang and Wên Ch‘ou?”
“That will not stop me. And after I am there I can act according to circumstances.”
Then he summoned Chou Ts‘ang and asked him, saying, “How many men are there with P‘ei at Sleeping Bull Mountain?”
“I should think four or five hundred.”
“Now,” said Kuan Yü, “I am going to take the shortest road to find my brother. Can you go to summon your men and lead them along the high road to assist me?”
With instructions to bring up these men Chou Ts‘ang left, while Kuan Yü and Sun Ch‘ien and their small escort went off to the north. When they drew near the boundary Sun Ch‘ien said, “You must be careful how you go over; you ought to stop here while I go in, see Uncle Liu and take the necessary steps.”
Seeing the wisdom of this Kuan Yü stopped there and sent his companion in advance, he and his followers going up to a nearby farm as an abiding place.
When they got to the farm out came a venerable man leaning on a staff. After exchanging salutes Kuan Yü told the old man all about himself.
“My name is also Kuan; my personal name being Ting,” said the old man. “I know your reputation and I am very happy to meet you.”
He sent for his two sons to come and make their bow. He put up Kuan in his house and provided for his escort in the farm buildings.
In the meantime Sun Ch‘ien had made his way to Ch‘ichow and seen Yüan-tê, who said, “Chien Yung also is here. We will send for him secretly to talk over this matter.”
They did so, and when the usual salutes had been exchanged, they three began to consider the means of getting away.
“You see Yüan Shao personally,” said Yung, “and say you wish to go to Chingchou to see Liu Piao about a scheme for the destruction of our enemy. That will give an excuse.”
“That seems best,” said Liu Pei, “but will you go with me?”
“I have another plan to extricate myself,” said Yung.
Having settled their plans, Yüan-tê soon went in to see his protector and suggested that, as Liu Piao was strong and well posted, his help should be sought against their enemy.
“I have sent messengers repeatedly to ask his help,” said Shao, “but he is unwilling.”
“As he and I are of the same family he will not refuse me if I go and ask him,” said Liu Pei.
“Certainly he is worth much more than Liu P‘i; you shall go.”
“I have just heard,” Shao continued, “that Kuan Yün-ch‘ang has left Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and wants to come here. If he does I will put him to death out of revenge for my two officers.”
“Illustrious Sir, you wished to employ him and so I sent for him. Now you threaten to put him to death. The two men he slew were but deer compared with such a tiger as he is. When you exchange a couple of deer for a tiger you need not complain of the bargain.”
“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 the interloper, who however worsted me time after time and wounded me thrice.”
“Who is the warrior? what does he look like?” asked Yüan-tê.
“All I know he is a doughty fighter, I do not know his name.”
Thereafter they advanced toward the hill with Kuan Yü in front and Yuan-tê in rear. When they drew near Chou Ts‘ang began to abuse his enemy, who soon appeared, mailed and armed, coming down the hills.
Suddenly Yüan-tê rode out waving his whip and shouting, “You, O Comer, are surely Tzŭ-lung?”
The rider, for it was Chao Tzŭ-lung, (Chao Yün), instantly slipped out of the saddle and bowed by the roadside.
The brothers dismounted to talk with him and ask how he came to be there.
“When I left you I had no idea that Kungsun Tsan was a man who would listen to no reason. The result was disaster and he perished in the flames. Yüan Shao invited me to him several times, but I thought too little of him to go. Then I wanted to go to Hsüchou to you, but you had lost that place and Yün-ch‘ang had gone over to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and you had joined Yüan Shao. Several times I thought of coming to you but I feared Yüan Shao. So I drifted from one place to another with nowhere to rest till I happened to come this way and P‘ei Yüan-shao tried to steal my horse. So I slew him and took possession of his camp. I heard I-tê was in Kuch‘êng but thought it might be only a rumour. And so the days have passed till this happy meeting.”
Yüan-tê told him all that had happened to him since they parted and so did Kuan Yü.
Said Liu P‘ei, “The first time I saw you I felt drawn to you and did not want to part from you. I am very happy to meet you again.”
“In all my wanderings, trying to find a lord worth serving, I have seen no one like you. Now I have reached your side that is enough for all my life. I care not what may happen to me.”
Next they burned the camp, after which they all took the road back to Kuch‘êng where they were welcomed. They exchanged the stories of their several adventures and the two ladies related the valiant deeds of Kuan Yü whereat Yüan-tê was too affected to speak.
Then they performed a great sacrifice to Heaven and Earth with the slaughter of a bull and a horse.
The soldiers also were recompensed for their toils. Yüan-tê surveyed the conditions around him and found therein much to rejoice at. His two brothers were restored to his side and none of his helpers were missing. Moreover he had gained Chao Yün, and his brother Kuan Yü had acquired an adopted son P‘ing. Another captain had joined his ranks in the person of Chou Ts‘ang. There was every occasion for feasting and gratification.
Scattered wide were the brothers, none knew another’s retreat,
Joyfully not they foregather, dragon and tiger meet.
At this time the forces under the command of the three brothers and their adherents numbered four or five thousand men. Yüan-tê was in favour of leaving Kuch‘êng and occupying Junan and just then Liu P‘ei and Kung Tu, commanders of that city, send to invite him to go there. So they went. There they devoted all their efforts to strengthen their army, both horse and foot, but nothing will be said of the recruiting, purchase of horses and such matters.
However it must be noted that Yüan Shao was much annoyed when Yüan-tê did not return and at first was for sending a force after him. However Kuo T‘u dissuaded him.
“Liu P‘ei need cause you no anxiety; Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is your one enemy and must be destroyed. Even Liu Piao, though strongly posted on the river, is none too terrible. There is Sun Po-fu on the east of the river, strong, feared, with wide territory, a large army and able counsellors and leaders; you should make an alliance there against Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.”
He won his chief to his view and wrote to Sun, sending the letter by Ch‘ên Chên.
Just as one warrior leaves the north,
Another from the east comes forth.
Future chapters will reveal the outcome of these dispositions.