“Then, brother, that is the end of the Hans,” said his host, with tears.
“I was joking,” said Wang. “My forefathers also served the Hans and ate of their bounty. Am I devoid of loyalty? I would help you, brother, as far as lies in my power.”
“It is well for the country that you think like this,” said Tung.
“But we ought to have a more private place than this to talk over such plans and pledge ourselves to sacrifice all in the cause of Han.”
Tung Ch‘êng began to feel very satisfied. He produced a roll of white silk and wrote his own name at the top and signed it, and Wang followed suit. Then the visitor said, “General Wu Tzŭ-lan is one of my best friends, he ought to be allowed to come in.”
Ch‘êng replied, “Of all the officials of the Court Ch‘ung Chi and Wu Shih are my best friends. Certainly they would back me up.”
So the discussion proceeded. Presently a servant announced no other than these very two men.
“This is providential,” said Tung Ch‘êng and he told his friend to hide behind a screen.
The two guests were led into the library and after the exchange of the ordinary civilities and a cup of tea, Chʻung Chi referred to the incident at the hunt and the shooting of the stag. “Were you not angry at that?” said he.
Tung Ch‘êng answered, “Though we be angry, what can we do?”
Wu Shih struck in, “I would slay this fellow, I swear, but I cannot get any one to back me up.”
“Though one should perish for one’s country one should not mind,” said Ch‘ung Chi.
At this moment Wang Tzŭ-fu appeared from behind the screen, saying, “You two want to kill Ts‘ao! I shall have to let him know this. And Uncle Tung is my witness.”
“A loyal Minister does not mind death. If we are killed we will be Han ghosts, which is better than being sycophants of a traitor.”
Tung Ch‘êng said, “We were just saying we wanted to see you two on this matter. Wang is only joking.”
Then he drew forth the decree and showed it to the two new-comers, who also wept as they read it. They were asked to add their names.
Tzŭ-fu said, “Wait here a few moments till I get Wu Tzŭ-lan to come.”
He left the room and very soon returned with his friend, who also wrote his name in the presence of all the others.
After this they went into one of the inner chambers to drink success to the new plot. While there a new visitor, Ma T‘êng, Prefect of Hsiliang, was announced.
