Mi Heng Slips His Garment And Rails At Traitors;
Ji Ping Pledges To Kill The Prime Minister.
At the close of the last chapter the two unsuccessful leaders, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong, were in danger of death.
However, Kong Rong remonstrated2 with Cao Cao, saying, “You knew these two were no match for Liu Bei, and if you put them to death because they failed, you will lose the hearts of your people.”
Wherefore the death sentence was not executed, but they were deprived of rank and status.
Cao Cao next proposed to lead an army himself to attack Liu Bei, but Kong Rong advised, “the weather is too inclement3. We must wait the return of spring. In the interval4, we better use the time to arrange peace with Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, before launching an expedition against Xuzhou.”
Wherefore Liu Ye was sent to Zhang Xiu and in due time reached Xiangyang. He first had an interview with Jia Xu, Zhang Xiu's adviser5, whereat he dwelt upon Cao Cao's virtues7 so that Jia Xu was impressed. Jia Xu kept Liu Ye as a guest and undertook to smooth his way.
Soon after Liu Ye saw Zhang Xiu and spoke8 of the advantages of coming to terms with Cao Cao. While the discussion was in proGREss, a messenger from Yuan Shao was announced, and he was called in. He presented letters and, when they also proposed terms of peace, Jia Xu asked what their success had been lately against Cao Cao.
“the war had ceased for the moment on account of the winter,” replied the messenger. “As you, General, and Liu Biao are both well reputed officers of the state, I have been sent to request your help.”
Jia Xu laughed, “You can return to your master and say that as he could not brook9 rivalry10 of his brother, he certainly would be sorely put to it with that of all the officers of the state.”
the letter was torn into fragments before the messenger's face, and he was angrily bidden be gone.
“But his master, Yuan Shao, is stronger than Cao Cao,” protested Zhang Xiu. “You have torn up his letter and are dismissing his man. What shall we say about such an insult should Yuan Shao come？”
“Better join hands with Cao Cao,” said Jia Xu.
“But there is still between us an unavenged enmity. We could not suffer each other.”
Jia Xu said, “there are three advantages in joining hands with Cao Cao. First, he has a command from the Emperor to restore peace. Second, as Yuan Shao is so strong, our little help to him will be despised, while we shall loom11 large and be well treated by Cao Cao. Third, Cao Cao is going to be Chief of the Feudal12 Lords, and he will ignore all private feuds13 in order to show his magnanimity to all the world. I hope, General, you will see these things clearly and hesitate no longer.”
Zhang Xiu, now convinced, became more reasonable and recalled Liu Ye, who, at the interview, extolled14 the many virtues of his master.
“If the Prime Minister had any thought of the old quarrel, he would hardly have sent me to make friendly engagements, would he？” said Liu Ye at the last.
[e] Cao Cao slept with Zhang Xiu's aunt.
So Zhang Xiu and his adviser proceeded to the capital where formal submission15 was made. At the interview Zhang Xiu bowed low at the steps, but Cao Cao, hastening forward, took him by the hand and raised him, saying, “Forget that little fault of mine*, I pray you, General！”
Zhang Xiu received the title of General Who Possesses Prowess, and Jia Xu was appointed Counselor16.
Cao Cao then directed his secretaries to draft letters inviting17 the support of Liu Biao.
Jia Xu said, “Liu Biao loves to have to do with famous people. If some famous scholar should be sent to him, he would submit forthwith.”
So Cao Cao inquired of Xun You who was the best person to go as a messenger, and he recommended Kong Rong. Cao Cao aGREed and sent Xun You to speak with this officer.
Xun You went to Kong Rong, saying, “A scholar of reputation is required to aid as a messenger of state. Can you undertake this task？”
Kong Rong replied, “I have a certain friend, Mi Heng, whose talents are ten times mine. He ought to be constantly at the court of the Emperor and not merely be sent as a state messenger. I will recommend him to the Emperor.”
So Kong Rong wrote the following memorial：
[e] Emperor Wu, aka Liu Che, （reigned BC 141-87） whose reign20 was longest among the Han emperors. Emperor Wu was perhaps the most influential21 Han emperor who concerned not only about expanding territory but also about developing trade with other countries （the Silk Road, for example）。 Emperor paid special attention to longevity22, and his court often had elaborate rituals. ……
“In ancient days, when the GREat waters were abroad, the emperor pondered over their regulation and he sought out people of talent from all directions. In old time, when Emperor Wu* of the Hans desired to enlarge his borders, crowds of scholars responded to his call.
“Intelligent and holy, Your Majesty23 ascended24 the throne. You have fallen upon evil days, but have been diligent25, modest, and untiring in your efforts. Now the GREat mountains have sent forth18 spirits, and people of genius appear.
“I, your humble26 servant, know of a certain simple scholar, Mi Heng by name, of Pingyuan, a young man of twenty-four. His moral character is excellent, his talents eminent27. As a youth he took a high place in study and penetrated28 the most secret arcane29 of learning. What he glanced at he could repeat, what he heard once he never forgot. He is naturally high principled, and his thoughts are divine. Sang Hongyang's mental calculations and Zhang Anshi's memorial feats30 compared with Mi Heng's powers are no longer wonderful. Loyal, sincere, correct, and straight-forward, his ambition is unsullied. He regards the good with trembling respect； he detests31 the evil with uncompromising hatred32. Ren Zuo in unflinching candor33, Shi Yu in severe rectitude, never surpassed him.
“Hundreds of hawks34 are not worth one osprey. If Mi Heng be given a court appointment, notable results must follow. Ready in debate, rapid in utterance35, his overwhelming intelligence wells up in profusion36. In the solution of doubts and the unraveling of difficulties he has no peer.
“In former days of Han, Jia Yi begged to be sent on trial to a vassal37 state for the control of the Xiongnu tribespeople； Zhong Jun offered to bring back the Prince of Nanyue to do homage38 to the emperor. The generous conduct of these youths has been much admired.
“In our day Lu Cui and Yan Xiang, remarkable39 for their talents, have been appointed among the secretaries. And Mi Heng is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realized： The dragon may curvet through the celestial40 streets and soar along the Milky41 Way； fame will extend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament42 with rainbow glory. He would be the glory of all the present Ministers and enhance the majesty of the Palace itself. The Music will acquire new beauties, and the Palace will contain an excellent treasure. People like Mi Heng are but few. As in the recitation of 'Ji Chu Songs' and the singing of 'Yang E Poems', the most skillful performers are sought； and such fleet horses as 'Fei Tu Broncos' and 'Yao Niao Mustangs' were looked for by the famous judges of horses, Wang Liang and Bo Le. So I, the humble one, dare not conceal43 this man. Your Majesty is careful in the selection of servants and should try him. Let him be summoned as he is, simply clad in his serge dress； and should he not appear worthy44, then may I be punished for the fault of deception45.”
the Emperor read the memorial and passed it to his Prime Minister, who duly summoned Mi Heng. He came, but after his formal salutations were over, he was left standing46 and not invited to sit down.
Looking up to heaven, Mi Heng sighed deeply, saying, “Wide as is the universe, it cannot produce the person.”
“Under my orders are scores of people whom the world call heroes. What do you mean by saying there is not the person,” said Cao Cao.
“I should be glad to hear who they are,” said Mi Heng.
[e] Xiao He （BC ？-193） a close adviser of Liu Bang. He and Liu Bang had been friends in their native Pei, where Liu Bang later held a minor47 office. Recommended Han Xin to Liu Bang. Became Han's prime minister. Enobled as the Lord of Cuo. ……
[e] Chen Ping （BC ？-178） a master strategist of Liu Bang. He first served Xiang Yu but then became a follower48 in Liu Bang's camp. Served as Liu Bang's prime minister and Empress Lu's left minister. After the death of Empress Lu, Chen Ping played an important role in returning royal authority to the Liu clan49. ……
[e] Cen Peng was a general of Liu Xiu. Cen Peng was loyal and contributed much to Liu Xiu's success. He, together with Yao Qi, Deng Yu, Chen Jun, and Du Mao, was executed by Liu Xiu by mistake when Liu Xiu was drunk. Liu Xiu later died of this grief. ……
[e] Ma Wu was a general of Liu Xiu. Also contributed much to Liu Xiu's success. Ma Wu committed suicide after Liu Xiu executed several ministers by mistake when Liu Xiu was drunk. Liu Xiu later died of this grief. ……
“Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu are all people of profound skill and long views, superior to Xiao He* and Chen Ping*. Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jing are bravest of the brave, better than Cen Peng* and Ma Wu*. Lu Qian and Man Chong are my secretaries； Yu Jin and Xu Huang are my van leaders； Xiahou Dun is one of the world's marvels50, Cao Ren is the most successful leader of the age. Now say you there are not the people？”
“Sir, you are quite mistaken,” said Mi Heng with a smile. “I know all these things you call people. Xun Yu is qualified51 to pose at a funeral or ask after a sick man； Xun You is fit to be a tomb guardian； Cheng Yu might be sent to shut doors and bolt windows； and Guo Jia is a reciter of poems； Zhang Liao might beat drums and clang gongs； Xu Chu might lead cattle to pasture； Yue Jing would make a fair reader of elegy； Li Dian could carry dispatches and notices； Lu Qian would be a fair armorer； Man Chong could be sent to drink wine and eat brewers' grains； Yu Jin might be of use to carry planks52 and build walls； Xu Huang might be employed to kill pigs and slay53 dogs； Xiahou Dun should be styled 'Whole Body General,' and Cao Ren should be called 'Money-grubbing Governor.' As for the remainder, they are mere19 clothes shelves, rice sacks, wine vases, flesh bags.”
“And what special gifts have you？” said Cao Cao angrily.
[e] Kings Yao and Shun54 are two ideal rulers, while Confucius and Mencius are two GREat philosophers.
“I know everything in heaven above and the earth beneath. I am conversant55 with the Three Religions and the Nine Systems of Philosophy. I could make my prince the rival of Kings Yao and Shun, and I myself could compare in virtue6 with Confucius and Mencius.* Can I discuss on even terms with common people？”
Now Zhang Liao was present, and he raised his sword to strike down the impudent56 visitor who spoke thus to his master, but Cao Cao said, “I want another drummer boy to play on occasions of congratulation in the court. I will confer this office upon him.”
Instead of indignantly declining this, Mi Heng accepted the position and went out.
“He spoke very impertinently,” said Zhang Liao. “Why did you not put him to death？”
“He has something of a reputation； empty, but people have heard of him and so, if I put him to death, they would say I was intolerant. As he thinks he has ability, I have made him a drummer to mortify57 him.”
Soon after Cao Cao instituted a banquet in the capital at which the guests were many. The drums were to be played, and the old drummers were ordered to wear new clothes. But the new drummer Mi Heng took his place with the other musicians clad in old and worn garments. The piece chosen was the “Tolling of Yuyang,” and from the earliest taps on the drum the effect was exquisite58, profound as the notes from metal and stone. The performance stirred deeply the emotions of every guest； some even shed tears.
Seeing all eyes turned on the shabby performer, the attendants said, “Why did you not put on your new uniform？”
Mi Heng turned to them, slipped off his frayed59 and torn robe and stood there in full view, naked as he was born. The assembled guests covered their faces. Then the drummer composedly drew on his nether60 garments.
“Why do you behave so rudely at court？” said Cao Cao.
“To flout61 one's prince and insult one's superiors is the real rudeness,” cried Mi Heng. “I bare my natural body as an emblem62 of my purity.”
“So you are pure！ And who is foul63？”
“You do not distinguish between the wise and the foolish, which is to have foul vision. You have never read the Odes or the Histories, which is to have foul speech. You are deaf to honest words, which is to have foul ears. You are unable to reconcile antiquity64 with today, which is to be foul without. You cannot tolerate the nobles, which is to be foul within. You harbor thoughts of rebellion, which is to have a foul heart. I am one of the most famous scholars in the empire, and you make me a drummer boy, that is as Yang Huo belittling65 Confucius or Zang Cang vilifying66 Mencius. You desire to be chief and arbitrator of the GREat nobles, yet you treat me thus！”
Now Kong Rong who had recommended Mi Heng for employment was among the guests, and he feared for the life of his friend. Wherefore he tried to calm the storm.
“Mi Heng is only guilty of a misdemeanor,” said Kong Rong. “He is not a man likely to disturb your dreams like Fu Yue, Illustrious Sir.”
Pointing to Mi Heng, the Prime Minister said, “I will send you to Jingzhou as my messenger； and if Liu Biao surrenders to me, I will give you a post at court.”
But Mi Heng was unwilling67 to go. So Cao Cao bade two of his men prepare three horses, and they set Mi Heng on the middle one and dragged him along the road between them.
It is also related that a GREat number of officers of all ranks assembled at the East Gate to see the messenger start.
Xun Yu said, “When Mi Heng comes, we will not rise to salute68 him.”
So when Mi Heng came, dismounted, and entered the waiting room, they all sat stiff and silent. Mi Heng uttered a loud cry.
“What is that for？” said Xun Yu.
“Should not one cry out when one enters a coffin？” said Mi Heng.
“We may be corpses,” shouted they altogether, “but you are a wandering headless ghost.”
“I am a minister of Han and not a partisan69 of Cao Cao's,” cried Mi Heng. “You cannot say I have no head.”
they were angry enough to kill him, but Xun Yu checked them, saying, “He is a paltry70 fellow. It is not worth soiling your blades with his blood.”
“I am paltry, and yet I have the soul of a man, and you are mere worms,” said Mi Heng.
they went their ways, all very angry. Mi Heng went on his journey and presently reached Jingzhou, where he saw Liu Biao. After that, under pretense71 of extolling72 Liu Biao's virtue, he lampooned73 Liu Biao who was annoyed and sent him to Jiangxia to see Huang Zu.
“Why did you not put the fellow to death for lampooning74 you？” said one to Liu Biao.
“You see he shamed Cao Cao, but Cao Cao did not kill him as Cao Cao feared to lose popular favor. So Cao Cao sent him to me, thinking to borrow my hand to slay him and so suffer the loss of my good name. I have sent him on to Huang Zu to let Cao Cao see that I understood.”
Liu Biao's clever caution met with general praise. At that time a messenger from Yuan Shao was also there with certain proposals for an alliance, and it was necessary to decide which aide to espouse75. All the advisers76 came together to consider the question.
then Commander Han Song said, “As you have now two offers, you can please yourself and choose your own way to destroy your enemies； for if one refuses, you can follow the other. Now Cao Cao is an able general and has many capable officers in his train. It looks as though he may destroy Yuan Shao and then move his armies across the river. I fear, my lord, you would be unable then to withstand him. That being so, it would be wise to support Cao Cao, who will treat you with respect.”
Liu Biao replied, “You go to the capital and see how things tend. That will help me to decide.”
Han Song said, “the positions of master and servant are clearly defined. Now I am your man prepared to go all lengths for you and obey you to the last, whether in serving the Emperor or in following Cao Cao. But lest there should be any doubt you must remember that if the Emperor gives me any office, then I shall become his servant and shall not be ready to face death for you.”
“You go and find out what you can. I have ideas in my mind.”
So Han Song took his leave and went to the capital, where he saw Cao Cao. Cao Cao gave him rank and made him Governor of Lingling.
Adviser Xun Yu remonstrated, saying, “This man came to spy out how things were moving. He has done nothing to deserve reward, and yet you give him an office like this. there were no such suspicious rumors77 connected with poor Mi Heng, and yet you sent him off and would never test his power.”
“Mi Heng shamed me too deeply before all the world. I am going to borrow Liu Biao's hand to remove him. And you need say no more,” said Cao Cao.
then Cao Cao sent Han Song back to his former master to tell him what had happened. Han Song came and was full of praise for the virtues of the court and was keen on persuading Liu Biao to espouse that side.
then Liu Biao suddenly turned angry, charged him with treachery, put him in prison, and threatened him with death.
“You turn your back on me,” cried Han Song. “I did not betray you.”
Kuai Liang remarked, “Han Song had foretold78 this possibility before he left. It is only what he expected.”
Liu Biao, who was just and reasonable, went no further.
Presently came the news that Mi Heng had been put to death by Huang Zu on account of a quarrel begun over the wine cups. Both being worse for liquor they had begun to discuss the worth of people.
“You were in Xuchang,” said Huang Zu. “Who was there of worth？”
“the big boy was Kong Rong and the little one Yang Xiu. There was no one else to count.”
“What am I like？” said Huang Zu.
“You are like a god in a temple： You sit still and receive sacrifice, but the lack of intelligence is pitiful.”
“Do you regard me as a mere image？” cried Huang Zu, angrily.
So Huang Zu put the impudent speaker to death. Even at the very point of death, Mi Heng never ceased his railing and abuse.
“Alas！” sighed Liu Biao when he heard Mi Heng's fate. then Liu Biao had the victim honorably interred79 near Yingwu, on Parrot Island.
And a later poet wrote of Mi Heng：
[hip80, hip, hip] Huang Zu could brook no rival； at his word Mi Heng met death, beneath the cruel sword. His grave on Parrot Isle81 may yet be seen, The river flowing past it, coldly GREen. [yip, yip, yip]
Cao Cao heard of the young man's death with pleasure.
“the putrid82 bookworm has just cut himself up with his own sharp tongue,” said he.
As there was no sign of Liu Biao coming to join him, Cao Cao began to think of coercion83. Xun Yu dissuaded84 him from this course.
Said he, “Yuan Shao is not subjugated； Liu Bei is not destroyed. To attack Liu Biao would be to neglect the vital to care for the immaterial. Destroy the two chief enemies first, and the Han River is yours at one blow.”
And Cao Cao took the advice.
After the departure of Liu Bei, Dong Cheng and his fellow conspirators85 did nothing else day or night but try to evolve plans for the destruction of Cao Cao. But they could see no chance to attack. At the new year audience Cao Cao was odiously86 arrogant87 and overweening, and the chief conspirator's disgust was so intense that he fell ill.
Hearing of the State Uncle's indisposition, the Emperor sent the Court Physician to see him. The Court Physician at this time was a native of Luoyang, named Ji Ping. A very famous physician, Ji Ping devoted88 himself wholly to the treatment of his court patient. Living in Dong Cheng's palace and seeing Dong Cheng at all times, Ji Ping soon found that some secret grief was sorely troubling him. But Ji Ping dared not ask questions.
One evening of the full moon festival, when the physician was just taking his leave, Dong Cheng kept him, and the two men had supper together. They eat talking for some time, and Dong Cheng by and by dropped off to sleep dressed as he was.
Presently Wang Zifu and the others were announced. As they were coming in, Wang Zifu cried, “Our business is settled！”
“I should be glad to hear how,” said Dong Cheng.
“Liu Biao has joined Yuan Shao, and five hundred thousand troops in fifty legions are on their way here by different routes. More than this, Ma Teng and Han Sui are coming from the northwest with seven hundred thousand Xiliang troops. Cao Cao has moved every soldier outside Xuchang to meet the combined armies. There is a GREat banquet in his palace tonight. If we get together our young men and servants, we can muster89 more than a thousand, and we can surround the palace, while Cao Cao is at the banquet, and finish him off. We must not miss this.”
Dong Cheng was more than delighted. He called his servants and armed them, put on his own armor and mounted his horse. The conspirators met, as they had arranged, just at the inner gate of the Prime Minister's palace. It was the first watch. The small army marched straight in, Dong Cheng leading with his treasured sword drawn90. His intended victim was at table in one of the private rooms. Dong Cheng rushed in, crying, “Cao Cao, you rebel, stay！” and dashed at Cao Cao who fell at the first blow.
And just then he woke up and found it was all a dream, but his mouth was still full of curses.
“Do you really wish to destroy Cao Cao？” said Ji Ping, going forward to his half awakened91 patient.
This brought Dong Cheng to his senses. He stopped, terror stricken, and made no reply.
“Do not be frightened, O Uncle,” said the doctor. “Although I am a physician, I am also a man, and I never forget my emperor. You have seemed sad for many days, but I have never ventured to ask the reason. Now you have shown it in your dream, and I know your real feelings. If I can be of any use, I will help. Nothing can daunt92 me.”
Dong Cheng covered his face and wept.
“I fear you may not be true to me,” cried he.
Ji Ping at once bit off a finger as a pledge of his faith. And then his host and patient brought forth the decree he had received in the girdle.
“I am afraid our schemes will come to nought,” said Dong Cheng. “Liu Bei and Ma Teng are gone, and there is nothing we can do. That was the real reason I fell ill.”
“It is not worth troubling you gentlemen with, for Cao Cao's life lies in these hands of mine,” said Ji Ping.
“How can that be？”
“Because he is often ill with deep-seated pain in his head. When this comes on, he sends for me. When next he calls me, I only have to give him one dose and he will certainly die. We do not want any weapons.”
“If only you could do it！ You would be the savior of the dynasty. It depends upon you.”
then Ji Ping went away leaving his late patient a happy man. Dong Cheng strolled into the garden and there he saw one of his servants, Quin Quington, whispering with one of the concubines, Yun Ying, in a dark corner. This annoyed him, and he called his attendants to seize them. He would have put them to death but for the intervention93 of his wife. At her request he spared their lives, but both were beaten forty canes94, and the lad was thrown into a dungeon95. Sulky at this treatment, Quin Quington broke out of the cell in the night, climbed over the wall, and went straight to Cao Cao's palace, where he betrayed the conspiracy96.
Cao Cao at once had him taken into a secret chamber97 and questioned him.
Quin Quington gave the names of the conspirators, saying, “Wang Zifu, Wu Zilan, Chong Ji, Wu Shi, Ma Teng, and my master have been meeting secretly. My master has a roll of white silk, with writing on it, but I do not know what it means. Yesterday, Ji Ping bit off one of his fingers as a pledge of fidelity98. I saw that.”
Quin Quington was kept in a secret part of the palace, while his late master, Dong Cheng, only knowing that he had run away, took no special means to find him.
Soon after this Cao Cao feigned99 a headache and sent for Ji Ping as usual.
“the rebel is done for,” thought Ji Ping, and he made a secret package of poison which he took with him to the palace of the Prime Minister. He found Cao Cao in bed. The patient bade the doctor prepare a potion for him.
“One draught100 will cure this disease,” said Ji Ping.
He bade them bring him a pot, and he prepared the potion in the room. When it had simmered for some time and was half finished, the poison was added, and soon after the physician presented the draught. Cao Cao, knowing it was poisoned, made excuses and would not swallow it.
“You should take it hot,” said the doctor. “Then there will be a gentle perspiration101, and you will be better.”
“You are a scholar,” said Cao Cao, sitting up, “and know what is the correct thing to do. When the master is ill and takes drugs, the attendant first tastes them； when a man is ill, his son first tastes the medicine. You are my confidant and should drink first. Then I will swallow the remainder.”
“Medicine is to treat disease. What is the use of anyone's tasting it？” said Ji Ping.
But he guessed now the conspiracy had been discovered, so he dashed forward, seized Cao Cao by the ear, and tried to pour the potion down his throat. Cao Cao pushed it away, and it spilt. The bricks upon which it fell were split asunder102. Before Cao Cao could speak, his servants had already seized the assailant.
Said Cao Cao, “I am not ill. I only wanted to test you. So you really thought to poison me！”
He sent for a score of sturdy gaolers who carried off the prisoner to the inner apartments to be interrogated103. Cao Cao took his seat in a pavilion, and the hapless physician, tightly bound, was thrown to the ground before him. The prisoner maintained a bold front.
Cao Cao said, “I thought you were a physician. How dared you try to poison me？ Someone incited104 you to this crime. If you tell me, I will pardon you.”
“You are a rebel. You flout your Prince and injure your betters. the whole empire wishes to kill you. Do you think I am the only one？”
Cao Cao again and again pressed the prisoner to tell what he knew, but he only replied that no one had sent him and it was his own desire.
“I have failed, and I can but die,” added Ji Ping.
Cao Cao angrily bade the gaolers give him a severe beating, and they dogged him for two watches. His skin hung in tatters, the flesh was battered105, and the blood from his wounds ran down the steps. Then fearing he might die and his evidence be lost, Cao Cao bade them cease and remove him. They took him off to a quiet place where he might recover somewhat.
Having issued orders to prepare a banquet for next day, Cao Cao invited all the courtiers thereto. Dong Cheng was the only one who excused himself, saying he was unwell. The other conspirators dared not stay away as they felt they would be suspected.
Tables were laid in the private apartments, and after several courses the host said, “There is not much to amuse us today, but I have a man to show you that will sober you.”
“Bring him in！” Cao Cao said, turning to the gaolers, and the hapless Ji Ping appeared, securely fastened in a wooden collar. He was placed where all could see him.
“You officials do not know that this man is connected with a gang of evil doers who desire to overturn the government and even injure me. However, Heaven has defeated their plans, but I desire that you should hear his evidence.”
then Cao Cao ordered the gaolers to beat their prisoner. They did so till Ji Ping lay unconscious, when they revived him by spraying water over his face. As soon as he came to, he glared at his oppressor and ground his teeth.
“Cao Cao, you rebel！ What are you waiting for？ Why not kill me？” cried Ji Ping.
Cao Cao replied, “the conspirators were only six at first； you made the seventh. Is that true？”
Here the prisoner broke in with more abuse, while Wang Zifu and the other three conspirators exchanged glances, looking as though they were sitting on a rug full of needles. Cao Cao continued his torture of the prisoner, beating him into unconsciousness and reviving him with cold water, the victim disdaining106 to ask mercy. Finally Cao Cao realized he would incriminate none of his accomplices107, and so he told the gaolers to remove Ji Ping.
At the close of the banquet, when the guests were dispersing108, four of them, the four conspirators, were invited to remain behind to supper. They were terrified so that their souls seemed no longer to inhabit their bodies, but there was no saying nay109 to the invitation.
Presently Cao Cao said, “Still there is something I want to speak about, so I have asked you to stay for a time longer. I do not know what you four have been arranging with Dong Cheng.”
“Nothing at all,” said Wang Zifu.
“And what is written on the white silk？” asked Cao Cao.
they all said they knew nothing about it.
then Cao Cao ordered the runaway110 servant to be brought in. As soon as Quin Quington came, Wang Zifu said, “Well, what have you seen and where？”
Quin Quington replied, “You five very carefully chose retired111 places to talk in, and you secretly signed a white roll. You cannot deny that.”
Wang Zifu replied, “This miserable112 creature was punished for misbehavior with one of Uncle Dong Cheng's maids, and now because of that he slanders113 his master. You must not listen to him.”
“Ji Ping tried to pour poison down my throat. Who told him to do that if it was not Dong Cheng？” said Cao Cao.
they all said they knew nothing about who it was.
“So far,” said Cao Cao, “matters are only beginning, and there is a chance of forgiveness. But if the thing grows, it will be difficult not to take notice of it.”
the whole four vigorously denied that any plot existed. However Cao Cao called up his henchmen, and the four men were put into confinement114.
Next day Cao Cao with a large following went to the State Uncle's palace to ask after his health.
Dong Cheng came out to receive his visitor, who at once said, “Why did you not come last night？”
“I am not quite well yet and have to be very careful about going out,” replied Dong Cheng.
“One might say you were suffering from national sorrow, eh？” said Cao Cao.
Dong Cheng started. Cao Cao continued, “Have you heard of the Ji Ping affair？”
“No； what is it？”
Cao Cao smiled coldly, saying, “How can it be you do not know？”
He turned to his attendants and told them to bring in the prisoner, while he went on talking to his host about national illness.
Dong Cheng was much put about and knew not what to do. Soon the gaolers led in the physician to the steps of the hall. At once the bound man began to rail at Cao Cao as rebel and traitor1.
“This man,” said Cao Cao, pointing to Ji Ping, “has implicated115 Wang Zifu and three others, all of whom are now under arrest. There is one more whom I have not caught yet.”
“Who sent you to poison me？” continued Cao Cao, turning toward the physician. “Quick, tell me！”
“Heaven sent me to slay a traitor！”
Cao Cao angrily ordered them to beat Ji Ping again, but there was no part of his body that could be beaten. Dong Cheng sat looking at him, his heart feeling as if transfixed with a dagger116.
“You were born with ten fingers. How is it you have now only nine？”
Ji Ping replied, “I bit off one as a pledge when I swore to slay a traitor.”
Cao Cao told them to bring a knife, and they lopped off his other nine fingers.
“Now they are all off. That will teach you to make pledges.”
“Still I have a mouth that can swallow a traitor and a tongue that can curse him,” said Ji Ping.
Cao Cao told them to cut out his tongue.
Ji Ping said, “Do not. I cannot endure any more punishment, I shall have to speak out. Loosen my bonds.”
“Loose them. There is no reason why not,” said Cao Cao.
they loosed him. As soon as he was free, Ji Ping stood up, turned his face toward the Emperor's palace and bowed, saying, “It is Heaven's will that thy servant has been unable to remove the evil.”
then he turned and smashed his head into the steps and died.
His body was quartered and exposed. This happened in the first month of the fifth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity117 （AD 200）, and a certain historian wrote a poem：
[hip, hip, hip] there lived in Han a simple physician. No warrior118, yet brave Enough to risk his very life His Emperor to save. Alas！ He failed； but lasting119 fame Is his； he feared not death；He cursed the traitorous120 Prime Minister Unto his latest breath. [yip, yip, yip]
Seeing his victim had passed beyond the realm of punishment, Cao Cao had Quin Quington led in.
“Do you know this man, Uncle？”
“Yes,” cried Dong Cheng. “So the runaway servant is here. He ought to be put to death！”
“He just told me of your treachery. He is my witness,” said Cao Cao. “Who would dare kill him？”
“How can you, the First Minister of State, heed121 the unsupported tale of an absconding122 servant？”
“But I have Wang Zifu and the others in prison,” said Cao Cao. “And how can you rebut123 their evidence？”
He then called in the remainder of his followers124 and ordered them to search Dong Cheng's bedroom. They did so and found the decree that had been given him in the girdle and the pledge signed by the conspirators.
“You mean rat！” cried Cao Cao. “You dared do this？”
He gave orders to arrest the whole household without exception. Then he returned to his palace with the incriminating documents and called all his advisers together to discuss the dethronement of the Emperor and the setting up of a successor.
[hip, hip, hip] Many decrees, blood written, have issued, accomplishing nothing, One inscribed125 pledge was fraught126 with mountains of sorrow. [yip, yip, yip]
the reader who wishes to how the fate of the Emperor must read the next chapter.
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traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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inclement
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| adj.严酷的，严厉的，恶劣的 | |
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interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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adviser
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| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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rivalry
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| n.竞争，竞赛，对抗 | |
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loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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feudal
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| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
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feuds
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| n.长期不和，世仇( feud的名词复数 ) | |
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extolled
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| v.赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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counselor
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| n.顾问，法律顾问 | |
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inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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influential
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| adj.有影响的，有权势的 | |
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longevity
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| n.长命；长寿 | |
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majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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diligent
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| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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arcane
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| adj.神秘的，秘密的 | |
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feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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detests
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的第三人称单数 ) | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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hawks
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| 鹰( hawk的名词复数 )； 鹰派人物，主战派人物 | |
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utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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vassal
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| n.附庸的；属下；adj.奴仆的 | |
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homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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milky
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| adj.牛奶的，多奶的；乳白色的 | |
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firmament
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| n.苍穹；最高层 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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deception
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| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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49
clan
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| n.氏族，部落，宗族，家族，宗派 | |
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marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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51
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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53
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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54
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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55
conversant
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| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
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56
impudent
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| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
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57
mortify
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| v.克制，禁欲，使受辱 | |
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58
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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frayed
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| adj.磨损的v.（使布、绳等）磨损，磨破( fray的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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60
nether
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| adj.下部的，下面的；n.阴间；下层社会 | |
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61
flout
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| v./n.嘲弄，愚弄，轻视 | |
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62
emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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63
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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64
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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65
belittling
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| 使显得微小，轻视，贬低( belittle的现在分词 ) | |
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66
vilifying
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| v.中伤，诽谤( vilify的现在分词 ) | |
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67
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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68
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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70
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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pretense
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| n.矫饰，做作，借口 | |
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extolling
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| v.赞美( extoll的现在分词 )；赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的现在分词 ) | |
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lampooned
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| v.冷嘲热讽，奚落( lampoon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lampooning
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| v.冷嘲热讽，奚落( lampoon的现在分词 ) | |
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75
espouse
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| v.支持，赞成，嫁娶 | |
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76
advisers
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| 顾问，劝告者( adviser的名词复数 )； （指导大学新生学科问题等的）指导教授 | |
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rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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78
foretold
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| v.预言，预示( foretell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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interred
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| v.埋，葬( inter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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hip
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| n.臀部，髋；屋脊 | |
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isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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82
putrid
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| adj.腐臭的；有毒的；已腐烂的；卑劣的 | |
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83
coercion
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| n.强制，高压统治 | |
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84
dissuaded
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| 劝（某人）勿做某事，劝阻( dissuade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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conspirators
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| n.共谋者，阴谋家( conspirator的名词复数 ) | |
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odiously
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| Odiously | |
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arrogant
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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92
daunt
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| vt.使胆怯，使气馁 | |
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93
intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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canes
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| n.（某些植物，如竹或甘蔗的）茎( cane的名词复数 )；（用于制作家具等的）竹竿；竹杖 | |
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dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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conspiracy
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| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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100
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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101
perspiration
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| n.汗水；出汗 | |
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102
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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103
interrogated
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| v.询问( interrogate的过去式和过去分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
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104
incited
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| 刺激，激励，煽动( incite的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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105
battered
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| adj.磨损的；v.连续猛击；磨损 | |
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106
disdaining
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| 鄙视( disdain的现在分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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107
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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108
dispersing
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| adj. 分散的 动词disperse的现在分词形式 | |
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109
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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110
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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111
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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112
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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113
slanders
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| 诽谤，诋毁( slander的名词复数 ) | |
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114
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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115
implicated
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| adj.密切关联的；牵涉其中的 | |
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116
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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118
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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119
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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120
traitorous
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| adj. 叛国的, 不忠的, 背信弃义的 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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122
absconding
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| v.（尤指逃避逮捕）潜逃，逃跑( abscond的现在分词 ) | |
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rebut
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| v.辩驳，驳回 | |
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124
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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125
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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fraught
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| adj.充满…的，伴有(危险等)的；忧虑的 | |
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