Page:A Chinese Biographical Dictionary.djvu/295

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276
A Chinese Biographical Dictionary


After performing prodigies of valoar in an attempt to renew the contest, he finally committed suicide. He left behind him a name inseparably associated with unscrupalous cruelty. On one occasion, when Liu Pang's father had fallen into his hands, and supplies of food had been cut o£f, he produced the prisoner in sight of the enemy, and sent to Liu Pang to say that unless he tendered his submission he would boil the old man alive. But Liu Pang, who kept his public duties and private feelings strictly apart, returned the following answer: — "When in the service of King Huai, you and I became sworn brothers. My father is therefore your father. However, if you do decide to boil him, kindly let me ha?e a basin of the broth." From this reply Hsiang Chi knew that Liu Pang was not a man to be terrorised; and in accordance with the dictates of a wiser policy, the father's life was spared. He then challenged Liu Pang to single combat, which the latter declined, alleging that his strength lay rather in planning than in fighting. At an interview which took place immediately afterwards, between the lines of the two opposing camps, Liu Pang charged Hsiang Chi with having committed ten iniquitous acts; at which Hsiang Chi was so enraged that he seized his bow and wounded Liu Pang severely in the breast. But the latter, so as not to cause a panic among his soldiers, stooped down and rubbed his foot, pretending that he had been wounded on the toe, and with the aid of Chang Liang made the beet of his way back to his tent. See Fan Ta'ing, Liu Pang, Yu Chi.

691 Hsiang Chü S. A bold official of the ancient SUte of Ch4, who alone ventured to reprove Prince HsfLan^ for building a vast hall to cover many acres, and with three hundred doors to it, over which three years had already been spent "Ah!** cried the Prince, "why not say this before?** Then calling the Grand

Historiographer, he bade him enter in the annals the following