In the meantime Sun Chʻien had made his way to Chʻichow and seen Yüan-tê, who said, “Chien Yung also is here. We will send for him secretly to talk over this matter.” They did so, and when the usual salutes had been exchanged, they three began to consider the means of getting away. “You see Yüan Shao personally,” said Yung, “and say you wish to go to Chingchou to see Liu Piao about a scheme for the destruction of our enemy. That will give an excuse.” “That seems best,” said Liu Pei, “but will you go with me?” “I have another plan to extricate myself,” said Yung. Having settled their plans, Yüan-tê soon went in to see his protector and suggested that, as Liu Piao was strong and well posted, his help should be sought against their enemy. “I have sent messengers repeatedly to ask his help,” said Shao, “but he is unwilling.” “As he and I are of the same family he will not refuse me if I go and ask him,” said Liu Pei. “Certainly he is worth much more than Liu Pʻi; you shall go.” “I have just heard,” Shao continued, “that Kuan Yün-chʻang has left Tsʻao Tsʻao and wants to come here. If he does I will put him to death out of revenge for my two officers.” “Illustrious Sir, you wished to employ him and so I sent for him. Now you threaten to put him to death. The two men he slew were but deer compared with such a tiger as he is. When you exchange a couple of deer for a tiger you need not complain of the bargain.” “Really I like him,” said Shao. “I was only joking. You can send another messenger for him and tell him to come soon.” “May I send Sun Chʻien for him?” “Certainly.” After Yüan-tê had gone Chien Yung came in and said to Shao, “If Yüan-tê goes he will not come back. I had better go to speak to Liu Piao. And I can keep a watch on Liu Pei.” Yüan Shao agreed and issued orders for both to go. On the subject of the mission Kuo Tʻu came in to his chief to dissuade him. Said he, “He went to speak to Liu Pʻi, but he accomplished nothing. Now you are sending Chien Yung with him and I am sure neither will ever return.” “Do not be too suspicious,” said Shao. “Chien Yung is clever enough.” That was the end of the interview. Forthwith Yüan-tê sent Sun Chʻien back to Kuan Yü and then, with Chien Yung, took leave of Yüan Shao and rode out of the city. As soon as they reached the border line they met Sun Chʻien and all three rode off to Kuan Ting’s farm to meet Kuan Yü. He came out to welcome them, bowed and then seized his brother’s hands while tears streamed down his face. Presently the two sons of their host came to bow to the visitors. Liu Pei asked their names. “These are of the same name as myself,” said Kuan Yü. “The sons are Kuan Ning, who is a student, and Kuan Pʻing, who is to be a soldier.” “I have been thinking of sending the younger in your train, General,” said old Kuan, “would you take him?” “What is his age?” said Liu Pei. “He is eighteen.”