“I was weeping from regret at being unable to continue my father’s work,” said he. “Why stay here bound to the service of a master? Why not get command of an army under the pretence of an expedition to relieve Chiangtung? Then you can accomplish great things.” While these two were talking another man suddenly entered saying, “I know what you two are planning, noble Sirs. Under my hand is a band of bold fellows ready to help Po-fu in whatever he wishes to do.” The speaker was one of Yüan Shu’s advisers named Lü Fan. They three then sat and discussed schemes. “The one fear is that the soldiers will be refused,” said the newcomer. “I still have the Imperial Seal that my father left me; that should be good security.” “Yüan Shu earnestly desires that jewel,” said Chu Chih. “He will certainly lend you men on that pledge.” The three talked over their plans, gradually settling the details, and not many days after Sun Tsʻê obtained an interview with his patron. Assuming the appearance of deep grief he said, “I have been unable to avenge my father. Now the Prefect of Yangchow is opposing my mother’s brother and my mother and her family are in danger. Wherefore I would borrow a few companies of fighting men to rescue them. As perhaps, Illustrious Sir, you may lack confidence in me I am willing to deposit the Imperial Seal, left me by my late father, as a pledge.” “Let me see it, if you have it,” said Shu. “I do not want the jewel really, but you may as well leave it with me. I will lend you three companies and five hundred horses. Return as soon as peace can be made. As your rank is hardly sufficient for such powers I will memorialise to obtain for you higher rank with the title of General, ‘Exterminator of Brigands,’ and you can soon start.” Tsʻê 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 handsome and refined mien. As soon as this man saw Sun Tsʻê 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 Tsʻê were of the same age all but two months, they became exceedingly good friends and sworn brothers, Tsʻê being the “elder” in virtue of his two months’ seniority. Chou Yü was on his way to visit Sun Tsʻê’s uncle, Prefect of Tanyang, when the happy meeting took place. Naturally Sun Tsʻê 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.