The cavalcade had not proceeded far when they saw coming towards them a large body of soldiers with fluttering banners hiding the sun and raising a huge cloud of dust. The officials turned pale and the Emperor was greatly alarmed. Yüan Shao rode out in advance and demanded who they were. From under the shade of an embroidered banner rode out an officer demanding if they had seen the Emperor. His Majesty was too panic-stricken to respond but the Prince of Chʻên-liu rode to the front and cried, “Who are you?” Tung Cho replied giving his name and rank. “Have you come to protect the chariot or to steal it?” said the prince. “I have come to protect,” said Tung Cho. “If that is so the Emperor is here; why do you not dismount?” Cho hastily dismounted and made obeisance on the left of the road. Then the prince spoke graciously to him. From first to last the prince had carried himself most perfectly so that Cho in his heart admired his behaviour, and then arose the first desire to set aside the Emperor in favour of the prince. They reached the palace the same day and there was an affecting interview with Ho Tʻai-hou. But when they had restored order in the palace the Hereditary Seal, the special seal of the Emperor, was missing. Tung Cho camped without the walls but every day he was to be seen in the streets with an escort of mailed soldiers so that the common people were in a state of constant trepidation. He also went in and out of the palace careless of all the rules of propriety. Pao Hsin spoke of his behaviour to Yüan Shao, saying, “This man harbours some evil design and should be removed.” “Nothing can be done till the government is more settled,” said Shao. Then he saw Wang Yün and asked what he thought. “Let us talk it over,” was the reply. Pao Hsin said no more but he left the capital and retired to Tʻaishan. Tung Cho induced the soldiers of the two brothers Ho to join his command and privately spoke to his adviser about deposing the Emperor in favour of the Prince of Chʻên-liu. “The government is really without a head; there can be no better time than this to carry out your plan. Delay will spoil all. To-morrow assemble the officials in the Wênming Garden and address them on the subject. Put all opponents to death and your prestige is settled.” So spoke his adviser and the words pleased Tung Cho mightily. So the next day he spread a feast and invited many guests. As all the officers went in terror of him no one dared be absent. He himself rode up to the garden last of all and took his place with his sword girded on. When the wine had gone round several times Tung Cho stopped the service and the music and began to speak. “I have something to say; listen quietly all of you.” All turned towards him.