He arrived just as Chang Mo’s brother was introducing Chʻên Kung. Kung said to Mo, “The disrupture of the Empire has begun and warriors are seizing what they can. It is strange that you, with all the advantages you enjoy, do not strike for independence. Tsʻao Tsʻao has gone on an expedition against the east leaving his own district defenceless. Lü Pu is one of the fighting men of the day. If you and he together attacked and got Yenchow you could then proceed to the dominion.” Chang Mo was pleased and resolved to try. Soon Lü Pu was in possession of Yenchou and its neighbourhood, all but three small departments, which were desperately defended. Tsʻao Jên had fought many battles but was always defeated and the messenger with the evil tidings had come from him asking help. Tsʻao Tsʻao was greatly disturbed by this and said, “If my own city be lost I have no home to return to. I must do something at once.” “The best thing would be to become friends with Liu Pei at any cost and return to Yenchou,” said Kuo Chia. Then he wrote to Liu Pei, gave the letter to the waiting messenger and broke camp. The news that the enemy had left was very gratifying to the Prefect, who then invited his various defenders into the city and prepared banquets and feasts in token of his gratitude. At one of these, when the feasting was over, he proceeded with his scheme of retirement in favour of Liu Pei. Placing him in the seat of highest honour he bowed before him and then addressed the assembly. “I am old and feeble and my two sons lack the ability to hold so important an office as this. The noble Liu is a descendant of the imperial house. He is of lofty virtue and great talent. Let him then take over the rule of this district and only too willingly I shall retire to have leisure to nurse my health.” Liu Pei replied, “I came at the request of Kʻung Wên-chü because it was the right thing to do. Hsüchou is saved, but if I take it surely the world will say I am a wicked man.” Mi Chu said, “You may not refuse. The House of Han is failing, their realm is crumbling and now is the time for doughty deeds and signal services. This is a fertile district, well populated, and you are the man to rule over it.” “But I dare not accept.” “The Prefect is a great sufferer,” said Chʻên Têng, “and cannot see to matters. You may not decline, Sir.” Said Yüan-tê, “Yüan Shu belongs to a family of rulers and the highest offices of state were held four times in three generations. The whole empire respects him, why not invite him to this task?” “Because he is a rotting bone in a dark tomb; not worth talking about. This opportunity is a gift from Heaven and you will never cease to regret its loss,” said Kʻung. So spake Kʻung Jung, but still Liu Pei obstinately refused. Tʻao Chʻien besought him with tears. “I shall die if you leave me and there will be none to close my eyes.” “Brother, you should accept the offer thus made,” said Kuan Yü.