Wang Yün knelt saying, “The people are on the brink of destruction, the prince and his officers are in jeopardy, and you, you are the only saviour. That wretch Tung Cho wants to depose the Emperor and not a man among us can find means to stop him. Now he has a son, a bold warrior it is true, but both father and son have a weakness for beauty and I am going to use what I may call the “chain” plan. I shall first propose you in marriage to Lü Pu and then, after you are betrothed, I shall present you to Tung Cho and you will take every opportunity to force them asunder and turn away their countenances from each other, cause the son to kill his adopted father and so put an end to the great evil. Thus you may restore the altars of the land that it may live again. All this lies within your power; will you do it?” “Thy handmaid has promised not to recoil from death itself. You may use my poor self in any way and I must do my best.” “But if this gets abroad then we are all lost!” “Fear not,” said she, “if thy handmaid does not show gratitude, may she perish beneath a myriad swords!” “Thank you; thank you!” said Wang Yün. Then they took from the family treasury many pearls and bade a cunning jeweler make therewith a fine golden headdress which was sent as a present to Lü Pu. He was delighted and came to thank the donor. When he arrived he was met at the gate by the host himself and within found a table full of dainties for his delectation. He was conducted into the private apartments and placed in the seat of honour. He said, “I am but a simple officer in the palace of a minister; you are an exalted officer of State, why am I treated thus?” “Because in the whole land there is no warrior your equal. Poor Yün bows not to an officer’s rank; he bows to his ability.” This gratified Lü Pu mightily and his host continued to praise and flatter and ply him with wine and to talk of the virtues of the minister and his henchman. Lü Pu laughed and drank huge goblets. Presently most of the attendants were sent away, only a few kept to press the guest to drink. When the guest was very mellow Wang Yün suddenly said, “Let the child come in!” Soon appeared two attendants, dressed in black, leading between them the exquisite and fascinating Sable Cicada. “Who is this?” said Lü Pu startled into sobriety. “This is my little girl, Cicada. You will not be annoyed at my familiarity, will you? But you have been so very friendly, I thought you would like to see her.” He bade the girl present a goblet of wine and her eyes met those of the warrior. The host feigning intoxication said, “The little one begs you, Commandant, to take a cup or two. We all depend upon you, all our house.” Lü Pu begged the girl to sit down. She pretended to wish to retire. Her master pressed her to remain, saying that she might do so since the guest was a dear friend. So she took a seat modestly near her master.