The minister bowed his head in thanks. Then the Emperor led Tung out of the Reception Hall to the Tʻai Miao or Temple of Ancestors, and they went to the gallery of Worthy Ministers, where the Emperor burned incense and performed the usual ceremonies. After this they went to see the portraits and among them was one of the Founder of the Dynasty, Han Kao-Tsu. “Whence sprang our great ancestor and how did he begin his great achievement?” said the Emperor. “Your Majesty is pleased to joke with thy servant,” said Tung Chʻêng, rather startled at the question. “Who does not know the deeds of the Sacred Ancestor? He began life as a minor official in Ssŭshang. There gripping his sword he slew the White Serpent, the beginning of his struggle for the right. Speedily he mastered the Empire; in three years had destroyed Tsʻin and, in five, also Chʻu. Thus he set up a Dynasty that shall endure for ever.” “Such heroic forefathers! such weakling descendants! How sad it is!” said the Emperor. Pointing to the portraits right and left he continued, “Are not these two Chang Liang, Marquis Liu, and Hsiao Ho, Marquis Tsʻuan?” “Certainly. Your great ancestor was greatly assisted by these two.” The Emperor glanced right and left. His attendants were rather far away. Then he whispered to Tung Chʻêng, “You, like these two, must stand by me.” “My poor services are of no worth; I do not compare with those men,” said the Uncle. “I remember that you saved me at the western capital. I have never forgotten and I could never reward you.” Then pointing to his own robe the Emperor continued, “You must wear this robe of mine, girded with my own girdle, and it will be as though you are always near your Emperor.” Tung Chʻêng bowed his gratitude while the Emperor, taking off the robe, presented it to his faithful Minister. At the same time he whispered, “Examine it closely when you get home, and help your Emperor carry out his intention.” Tung Chʻêng understood. He put on the robe and the girdle, took leave and left the chamber. The news of the audience for Tung Chʻêng had been taken to the Minister, who at once went to the Palace and arrived as Tung Chʻêng was passing out at the gate. They met face to face and Tung Chʻêng could in nowise avoid him. He went to the side of the road and made his obeisance. “Where are you from, State Uncle?” asked Tsʻao Tsʻao. “His Majesty summoned me into the Palace and has given me this robe and beautiful girdle.” “Why did he give you these?” “He had not forgotten that I saved his life in the old days.” “Take it off and let me see it.” Tung Chʻêng who knew that a secret decree was hidden away somewhere in the garments was afraid Tsʻao Tsʻao would notice a breach somewhere in the material, so he hesitated and did not obey. But the tyrant called his servants. So he took off the girdle. Then Tsʻao looked it over carefully. “It certainly is a very handsome girdle,” said he. “Now take off the robe and let me look at that.”