CHAPTER XX.
Ts‘ao A-man Organises a Hunting Expedition:
Tung, “State Uncle,” Receives a Command in the Palace.
The last chapter said that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was checked in his angry attack upon Chang Liao. It was Liu Pei who held his arm and Kuan Yün-ch‘ang who knelt before him.
“A man as generous-hearted as he is should be saved,” said Liu.
Kuan said, “I know him well as loyal and righteous. I will vouch for him with my own life.”
Ts‘ao threw aside his sword. “I also know Wên-yüan to be loyal and good; I was just testing him,” said he.
He loosed the prisoner’s bonds with his own hands, had a change of dress brought in and clothed him therewith. Then he was led to a seat of honour. This kindly treatment sank deep into Chang’s heart and he hastened to declare formally that he yielded. And then he was given a rank and the title of marquis. He was sent on a mission to win over Tsang Pa, who hearing what had happened, came forthwith and gave in his submission. He was graciously received and his former colleagues also yielded, with the exception of Chang Hsi, who remained obdurate. All these former enemies who came over were kindly treated and given posts of responsibility wherein they might prove the reality of their conversion. Lü Pu’s family were sent to the capital.
After the soldiers had been rewarded with feastings the camp was broken up and the army moved away to Hsütu. Passing through Hsüchou the people lined the roads and burned incense in honour of the victors. They also petitioned that Liu Pei should be their governor.
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao replied, “Liu Shih-chün has rendered great services. You must wait till he has been received in audience and obtained his reward. After that he shall be sent here.”
Ch‘ê Chou, a General of Cavalry, was given command of Hsüchou for the moment. After the army had arrived at the capital rewards were granted to all the officers who had been in the expedition. Liu Yüan-tê was retained in the capital, lodging in an annexe to the Minister’s palace. Soon after a Court was held and Ts‘ao Ts‘ao represented the services of Yüan-tê who was presented to the Emperor Hsien. Dressed in Court robes he bowed at the lower end of the audience arena. The Emperor called him to the Hall and asked his ancestry.
