But Pei replied, “How would misfortune have been averted from this place if he had not attacked Yenchou? He cannot be our enemy now that he comes seeking an asylum.” “Brother, your heart is really too good. Although it may be as you say yet it would be well to prepare,” said Chang Fei. The new Prefect with a great following met Lü a long way outside the city gates and the two chiefs rode in side by side. They proceeded to the residence and there, after the elaborate ceremonies of reception were over, they sat down to converse. “After Wang Yün’s plot to slay Tung Cho and my misfortune in the Li-Kuo sedition, I drifted about from one place to another and none of the nobles seemed willing to receive me. When Tsʻao Tsʻao wickedly invaded this district and you, Sir, came to its rescue, I aided you by attacking Yenchou and thus diverting a portion of his force. I did not think then that I should be the victim of a vile plot and lose my leaders and my soldiers. But now if you will I offer myself to you that we may together accomplish great designs.” Liu Pei replied, “When the late Prefect died there was no one to administer Hsüchou and so I assumed that task for a time. Now since you are here, General, it is most suitable that I retire in your favour.” Whereupon he handed the insignia and the seal to Lü Pu. Lü was on the point of accepting them when he saw Kuan and Chang, who stood behind the Prefect, glaring at him with angry eyes, so he put on a smile and said, “Lü may be something of a fighting man but he could not rule a place like this.” Yüan-tê repeated his offer. Chʻên Kung said, “The strong guest does not oppress his host. You need not fear, O Prince Elect.” Then Yüan-tê desisted. Banquets were held and dwelling places prepared for the guest and his retinue. As soon as convenient Lü Pu returned the feast. Liu Pei went with his two brothers. Half through the banquet Lü Pu requested his guest to retire to one of the inner private rooms, whither the brothers followed him. There Lü Pu bade his wife and daughters bow as to their benefactor. Here also Yüan-tê showed excessive modesty and Pu said, “Good younger brother, you need not be so very modest.” Chang Fei heard what he said and his eyes glared. “What sort of a man are you that dares call our brother, ‘younger brother’?” cried he. “He is one of the ruling family (a golden branch, a jade leaf). Come out; and I will fight you three hundred bouts for the insult.” Yüan-tê hastily checked the impulsive one and Kuan Yü persuaded him to go away. Then the host apologised saying, “My poor brother talks wildly after he has been drinking. I hope you will not blame him.” Lü Pu nodded, but said nothing. Soon after the guests departed. But as the host escorted Liu Pei to his carriage he saw Chang Fei galloping up armed as for a fray. “Lü Pu, you and I will fight that duel of three hundred!” shouted he.