“They were at war and Tsan got the worst of it, so he acted on the defensive, building a high wall about his army and on that erecting a high tower, which he called the I-ching Tower. Therein he placed all his grain and took up his own quarters. His fighting men passed in and out without ceasing, some going out to give battle, others returning to rest. One of them was surrounded and sent to ask Kungsun to rescue him. Kungsun said, “If I rescue him, hereafter every one will want to be helped and will not exert himself.” So he did not go. This disgusted his men and many deserted to the enemy so that his army diminished. He sent letters to the capital to crave help, but the messenger was captured. He sent to Chang Yen to arrange with him for a joint attack and those letters with the plans also fell into Shao’s hands and the plans were adopted by his enemy, who gave the signals agreed upon. Thus Tsan fell into an ambush, lost heavily and retreated into the city. There he was besieged and a subterranean passage was pierced into the tower where he lodged. The tower was set on fire and Kungsun could not escape. So he slew his wife and little ones and committed suicide. The flames destroyed the bodies of the whole family. “Yüan Shao has added the remnants of the vanquished army to his own and so become yet stronger. His brother Yüan Shu in Honan, however, has become so arrogant and cruel that the people have turned against him. Then he had sent to say he would yield the title of Emperor, which he had assumed, in favour of his brother. His brother Shao demanded the seal also and Yüan Shu promised to bring it in person. Now he has abandoned Huainan and is about to occupy Hopei. If he succeeded, the two brothers will control adjoining districts and be dangerous.” It was a sad story and Yüan-tê remembered with sorrow that, in the days of success and prosperity, the dead chieftain had pushed his interest and shown him much kindness. Moreover he was anxious to know the fate of Chao Tzŭ-lung. In his heart he thought, “What better chance am I likely to get of setting myself free?” So he rose and said to Tsʻao Tsʻao, “If Yüan Shu goes over to join his brother he will surely pass through Hsüchou. I beg you to give me an army with which to smite him on the way. That will finish Yüan Shu.” “Memorialise the Emperor to-morrow and I will give you an army,” said Tsʻao. So next day Yüan-tê went to an audience and Tsʻao gave him command of five legions, horse and foot, and sent Chu Ling and Lu Chao with him. At parting with Liu Pei the Emperor shed tears. As soon as he reached his lodging he set about preparations for immediate departure, returning his seal as General and preparing his weapons. Tung Chʻêng went out some distance on the road to bid him farewell. “You must not mind my going; this journey will assuredly help on the scheme,” said Liu Pei. “Keep your mind fixed on that,” said Tung, “and never forget what His Majesty requires of us.”