“Well, formerly I slew Yen Liang and Wên Ch‘ou and saved you from a grave danger. Now you refuse me a ferry boat!”
“I am afraid Hsiahou will know of it and make it a fault against me.”
Kuan Yü perceived that no help was to be expected from this man so he pushed on and presently reached the ferry. There the commander of the guard, Ch‘in Ch‘i, came out to question him.
“I am one Kuan, Marquis of Hanshout‘ing.”
“Whither are you bound?”
“I go to Hopei to seek my brother, Liu Yüan-tê, and I respectfully ask you to grant me a passage over the river.”
“Where is the authority of the Minister?”
“I am not on a mission from the Minister so why should I have such an authority?”
“I have orders from my chief to guard the ferry and you will not cross; even if you grew wings you should not fly over.”
Kuan Yü’s choler arose. “Do you know that I have been the death of all those who have hitherto tried to stop me?” said he.
“You have only slain a few officers of no rank or reputation; but you dare not kill me.”
“Where would you stand beside Yen Liang and Wên Ch‘ou?” asked Kuan.
The Ch‘in Ch‘i grew angry and he loosed his rein. Sword in hand he came at a gallop. The two met, but in the first encounter Ch‘in Ch‘i’s head was swept off by the terrible Black Dragon.
“He who opposed me is dead; you others need not be afraid,” cried Kuan Yü. “Be quick and prepare me a boat.”
The boat was soon at the landing and the two women stepped on board, followed by Kuan Yü. They crossed, and were then in the country of Yüan Shao. In the course of his journey to this point Kuan Yü had forced five passes and slain six captains.
His seal hung up, the treasury locked, his
courtly mansion left,
He journeyed toward his brother dear, too long
from his side reft.
The horse he rode was famed for speed as for
endurance great,
His good sword made a way for him and
opened every gate.
His loyalty and truth forth stand, a pattern
unto all,
His valour would frighten rushing streams and
make high mountains fall.
Alone he travelled lustily, ’twas death to meet
his blade,
He has been themed by myriads, his glory ne’er
will fade.
