The Recorder, Yen Hsiang, rose in opposition at once. “You may not do this. Hou Chi, the Minister of the Chou Dynasty, was of distinguished virtue and held many offices, till in the time of Wên Wang he had two thirds of the Empire. Still he served and was loyal to the Yin Dynasty. Your house is honourable, but it is not so glorious as that of Chou. The Hans may be reduced, but they are not so abominably cruel as Tsou of the Yins. Indeed this should not be done.” Yüan Shu did not hear this with pleasure. “We Yüans came from Chʻên and he was a descendant of Shun (the Emperor). By the rule of interpreting the signs of fate the day has come when earth receives fire. Beside there is an oracle saying, ‘He who replaces the Hans must wade through deep mire.’ My name means ‘the high road.’ It fits exactly. Further than this, I possess the hereditary seal of State and must become lord of all or I turn from Heaven’s own way. Finally I have made up my mind, so if any one says too much he will simply suffer death.” He arrogated himself the insignia of royalty. He set up officials with titles only given by an Emperor, and rode in a carriage decorated with the dragon and phœnix and offered sacrifices after the manner of an Emperor in the north and south suburbs. Also he appointed an “Empress” and an “Heir Apparent” (in the Eastern Palace) and pressed for the early wedding of Lü Pu’s daughter with his son that the palace entourage might be complete. But when he heard of the fate of his marriage ambassador he was very angry and began at once to plan for revenge. Chang Hsün was made Generalissimo having under his command more than twenty legions, in seven divisions under so many commanders, and each of these was instructed to make a certain town his objective. The Governor of Yenchou, Chin Shang, was ordered to superintend the commissariat, but he declined the office and so was put to death. Chi Ling was in command of the reserves to help wherever he was required. Yüan Shu led three legions and he appointed three tried officers to go up and down and see that the various armies did not lag behind. Lü Pu found out from his scouts that his own city was Chang Hsün’s objective; the other towns to be first attacked being Hsiaopʻei, Itu, Langya, Chiehshih, Hsiapʻei and Chünshan. The armies were marching fifty li a day, and plundering the countryside as they advanced. He summoned his advisers to a council to which came Chʻên Kung, Chʻên Têng and his father. When all had assembled Chʻên Kung said, “This misfortune that has come to us is due to the two Chʻêns, who fawned upon the central government in order to obtain rank and appointments. Now remove the evil by putting these two to death and sending their heads to our enemy. Then he will retire and leave us in peace.”