Ts‘ê thanked his patron most humbly and soon put the army in motion, taking with him his two new friends as well as his former captains. When he reached Liyang he saw a body of troops in front of him, at their head a dashing leader of hand some and refined mien. As soon as this man saw Sun Ts‘ê he dismounted and made obeisance. It was Chou Yü.
When Sun Chien was opposing the tyrant Minister Tung Cho, the Chou family had removed to Shu, in modern Anhui, and as Chou Yü and Sun Ts‘ê were of the same age all but two months, they became exceedingly good friends and sworn brothers, Ts‘ê being the “elder” in virtue of his two months’ seniority. Chou Yü was on his way to visit Sun Ts‘ê’s uncle, Prefect of Tanyang, when the happy meeting took place.
Naturally Sun Ts‘ê confided his projects and inmost ideas to his friend, who at once promised fidelity and service. They would work out the grand design together.
“Now that you have come the design is as good as accomplished,” said Sun.
Chou Yü was introduced to Chu Chih and Lü Fan.
Chou Yü said, “Do you know of the two Changs of Chiangtung? They would be most useful men in working out your schemes.”
“Who are they, the two Changs?” said Sun.
“They are men of transcendent genius who are living near here for the sake of tranquillity in these troublous times. Their names are Chang Chao and Chang Hung. Why not invite them to help you, brother?”
Sun Ts‘ê lost no time in sending letters and gifts, but they both declined. Then he visited them in person, was greatly pleased with their speech and by dint of large gifts and much persuasion, got them to promise to join him. They were given substantial offices.
The plan of the attack upon Yangchou was the next matter for discussion. The Prefect, Liu Yu, was of Tunglai, a scion of the Imperial family and brother of the governor of Yenchow. He had long ruled in Yangchou, but Yüan Shu had forced him to leave his usual abiding city and retire to Ch‘üa.
Hearing of the meditated attack on him he summoned his captains to take counsel. Said Chang Ying, “I will take an army and entrench at Niuchu. No army can get past that, whatever its strength.”
He was interrupted by another who shouted, “And let me lead the van!”
All eyes turned to this man; is was T‘aishih Tzŭ who, after raising the siege of Pohai, had come on a visit to the Prefect and stayed on.
Hearing him offer to undertake the hazardous post of van-leader Liu Yu said, “But you are still young and not yet equal to such a charge. Rather stay by my side and obey my orders.”
