“A loyal Minister does not mind death. If we are killed we will be Han ghosts, which is better than being sycophants of a traitor.” Tung Chʻêng said, “We were just saying we wanted to see you two on this matter. Wang is only joking.” Then he drew forth the decree and showed it to the two new-comers, who also wept as they read it. They were asked to add their names. Tzŭ-fu said, “Wait here a few moments till I get Wu Tzŭ-lan to come.” He left the room and very soon returned with his friend, who also wrote his name in the presence of all the others. After this they went into one of the inner chambers to drink success to the new plot. While there a new visitor, Ma Tʻêng, Prefect of Hsiliang, was announced. “Say I am indisposed,” said the host, “and cannot receive visitors.” The doorkeeper took the message, whereat Ma angrily said, “Last night at the Tunghua Gate I saw him come out in robe and girdle. How can he pretend illness to-day? I am not come from mere idleness, why does he refuse to see me?” The doorkeeper went in again and told his master what the visitor had said and that he was very angry. Then Chʻêng rose, excused himself saying he would soon return, and went to receive Ma Tʻêng. After the visitor had saluted and they were both seated, he said, “I have just come from a farewell audience and wished to bid you adieu. Why did you want to put me off?” “My poor body was taken suddenly ill; that is why I was not waiting to welcome you,” said Chʻêng. “You do not look as if you were ill; your face wears the very bloom of health,” said Tʻêng bluntly. His host could say no more and was silent. The visitor shook out his sleeves and rose to depart. He sighed deeply as he walked down the steps, saying to himself, “Not one of them is any good: there is no one to save the country.” This speech sank deeply into Tung Chʻêng’s heart. He stopped his guest, saying, “Who is no good to save the country? Whom do you mean?” “That incident at the hunt the other day, the shooting of the stag, filled my breast with anger. But if you, a near relative of the Emperor, can pass your time in wine and idle dalliance without a thought of doing away with rebellion, where can any one be found who will save the dynasty?” However, Tung Chʻêng’s doubts were not set at rest. Pretending great surprise he replied, “The Minister is of high rank and has the confidence of the Court: why then does he utter such things?” “So you find that wretch Tsʻao a good man, eh?” “Pray speak lower: there are eyes and ears very near us.” “The sort of people who covet life and fear death are not those to discuss any great undertaking.” So saying he rose to go away. By this time his host’s doubts were set at rest: he felt that Ma Tʻêng was loyal and patriotic. So he said, “Do not be angry any more. I will show you something.”