They parted. Presently his brothers asked him why he was in such a hurry to get away. He replied, “I have been a bird in a cage, a fish in a net. This is like the fish regaining the open sea and the bird soaring into the blue sky. I suffered much from the confinement.” Now Kuo Chia and Chʻêng Yü had been absent inspecting stores and supplies when Liu Pei left. As soon as they heard of his expedition they went in to see their master, asking him why he had let Liu Pei go in command of an army. “He is going to cut off Yüan Shu.” “Formerly, when he was governor of Yüchou, we recommended that he should be put to death but you would not hear of it. Now you have given him an army. You have allowed the dragon to reach the sea, the tiger to return to the mountains. What control will you have in future?” So spoke Chʻêng Yü and Kuo Chia followed in the same strain. “Even if you would not put him to death you need not have let him go. As the proverb says, ‘Relax opposition for one day and age-long harm ensues.’ You must admit the truth of this.” Tsʻao recognised that these were prudent counsels so he sent Hsü Chʻu with a half company and imperative orders to bring Yüan-tê back again. Liu Pei was marching as rapidly as possible when he noticed a cloud of dust in the rear and remarked to his brothers, “Surely they are pursuing us.” He halted and made a stockade and ordered his brothers to be in readiness, one on each flank. Presently the messenger arrived and found himself in the midst of an army ready for battle. He dismounted and entered the camp to speak with Yüan-tê. “Sir, on what business have you come?” asked Pei. “The Minister has sent me to request you to return as he has further matters to discuss with you.” “When a general has once taken the field even the royal command is of no effect. I bade farewell to the Emperor, I received the Minister’s commands and there can be nothing further to talk about. You may return forthwith and take that as my reply.” The messenger was undecided what action to take. He knew of the friendship that existed between the Minister and his late guest and he had no orders to kill. He could only return with this reply and ask further instructions. So he left. When he related what had occurred Tsʻao still hesitated to take any action. His advisers urged upon him that this refusal to return meant enmity. “Still, two of my men are with him,” said Tsʻao. “He will not dare do anything unfriendly, I think. Beside, I sent him and I cannot go back on my own orders.” So Yüan-tê was not pursued. He took his arms, he fed his steed, And fared forth willingly, Intent to accomplish his King’s behest Deep graved on his memory. At least he had broken out of his cage, He heard not the tiger’s roar, He had shaken the shackles from his feet, As a dragon on high could soar.