Page:A Chinese Biographical Dictionary.djvu/748

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
A Chinese Biographical Dictionary
729


head on Wang Ghien's lap. Gradually however Teen's enemies prevailed, and his influence with the Emperor declined. In 887 he was stripped of his rank and emoluments, and banished to Euangtung. Upon the accession of the Emperor. Chao Tsung, he was allowed to return, chiefly through the efforts of his adopted son Li Mao- ch^n, and held ofiBce as Military Superintendent in Honan. In 893 he was executed by Wang Ghien for attempted conspiracy. *^I have been Commander-in-chief," said he to the executioner, not without dignity; '*at least let me die as becomes my rank." Thereupon he tore a strip from his silk robe and showed the man how to strangle him; and when the final act was completed, it was noticed that his features had undergone no change. A few years later his title and honours were restored.

T*i6n Tan EB "Df . 3rd cent. B.C. A descendant of the old kings 1921 of Ch*i, who revolted in B.C. 209 and set himself up as sovereign of the kingdom of Ch4. He ruled wisely for a time, and his subjects prospered. At length he led an army to relieve the king of Wei, who was hemmed in by the great Imperialist general Chang Han. The latter, having gagged his soldiers to prevent them from talking in the ranks, surprised him by a night attack, defeated the troops of Ch4, and left T4en Tan dead upon the field. T*ien Tan gg ||. 3rd cent. B.C. A petty official at fg ^ 1922 Lin-tzti in the Ch*i State (modern Shantung), who never showed any particular ability until his country was attacked by the Ten State under Yo I. He then ad?ised his clansmen to shorten the projecting axle-trees of their carts, and cover the ends with iron; the result being that in the flight before the conquering army these carts got safely away. At length only two cities, g Lu and HP ^ Chi-mo, remained, in the latter of which T*ien Tan had taken refuge and was besieged by the forces of Yen. To raise the siege, he contrived the following plan. Getting 1,000 oxen,