otector。 〃And any other who shall oppose me shall suffer death。〃
So Li Hui was thrust out。
〃The officers of Shu regard the safety of their families and no longer render you service。 The generals are arrogant； and each has some scheme of his own to further。 If you do not get Liu Bei to oppose the enemy without and your own people oppose you within； surely you are on the road to ruin。〃
So spoke Zhang Song； and the Imperial Protector replied； 〃I know the plan is for my advantage。〃
Whereupon he mounted his horse to ride out to Elm Tree Bridge。
Then a messenger reported to him： 〃Wang Lei has suspended himself； head downwards； at the city gate。 In one hand he holds a written remonstrance and in the other a knife。 And he says that if you heed him not； he will cut the rope and die at your feet。〃
Liu Zhang went to the gate； took the writing and read：
〃Good medicine is bitter in the mouth but good for the disease； faithful words offend the ear but are good for the conduct。 Of old King Huai of Chu listened not to Qu Yuan； but attended the meeting at Wu Pass and was captured by the state of Qin。 Sir； you are thoughtlessly leaving your place to go to wele Liu Bei； but I fear there is a way out and none in。 Could you but behead Zhang Song in the market place and have nothing to do with this league with Liu Bei； it would be for the happiness of old and young； and assure the safety of yourself。〃
Anger rose in Liu Zhang's breast as he read。
〃Why do you insult me when I go to meet a kindly man I feel as if I were about to enjoy the delight of seeing brother？〃
At this Wang Lei gave a great cry； severed the rope； and fell to the ground battered and dead。
Head downwards at the city gate one hung
A last remon