Shortly the famous leech arrived, a man with the complexion of a youth and a snowy beard. He looked more like a saint who had passed the gates of this life. He was treated very handsomely and taken to see the sick soldier’s wounds. “The case is not difficult,” said the surgeon and he prepared certain drugs that healed the wounds within a month. Sun Tsʻê suitably acknowledged his care and skill and he was allowed to leave. Next Sun Tsʻê attacked the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring complete tranquillity to Chiangnan. After this he set garrisons at all the strategical points, and this done, memorialised what he had achieved. He came to an understanding with Tsʻao Tsʻao and sent letters to Yüan Shu demanding the return of the Seal he had left in pledge. But Yüan Shu, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, wrote excuses and did not return the State jewel. In his own place he hastily summoned his officers to a council and said, “Sun Tsʻê borrowed an army from me and set out on an expedition which has made him master of Chiangtung. Now he says nothing of repayment but demands the token of his pledge. Truly he is a boor and what steps can I take to destroy him?” The Recorder, Yang Ta-chiang, replied, “You cannot do any thing against him for he is too strongly placed. You must first remove Liu Pei in revenge for having attacked you without cause, and then you may think about Sun Tsʻê. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a very short time.” He went not to destroy the tiger, but instead Against a dragon forth his army led. The means he employed will be made plain in the next chapter. CHAPTER XVI. A FEAT OF ARCHERY: A BATTLE LOST AT YUSHUI RIVER. “What is your plan of attack on Liu Pei?” said Shu. Yang Ta-chiang replied, “Though Liu Pei, now camped at Hsiaopʻei, could easily be taken, yet Lü Pu is strongly posted at the chief city near, and I think he would help Pei if it was only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and stuffs, grain and horses you promised. First of all you should send Lü Pu a present whereby to engage his affections and keep him quiet while you deal with Liu Pei. You can see to Lü Pu after this is done.” Thereupon a large quantity of millet was sent, with letters, by the hand of Han Yin. The gift pleased Lü Pu greatly; and he treated the messenger with great cordiality. Feeling sure of no trouble from that quarter Yüan Shu told off the leaders of the expedition against Hsiaopʻei. When Liu Pei heard these things he called his officers to take counsel. Chang Fei was for open war forthwith. Sun Chʻien said their resources were too small: they must lay the position before Lü Pu and ask help. “Do you think that fellow will do anything?” said Chang Fei cynically. Liu Pei decided in favour of Sun’s proposal and wrote as follows:—