ection。 I see he is really a kindly and noble man; and with him as a support I shall fear neither Cao Cao nor Zhang Lu。 And I owe all this to Zhang Song。〃
To show his gratitude; Liu Zhang took off the green silken robe he wore and sent it as a gift to Zhang Song; together with five hundred ounces of gold。
However; some of his officers were not so content; and a group of them bade him beware。
〃Do not rejoice too soon; O Master;〃 said they; 〃for Liu Bei is hard enough within in spite of his mild exterior。 You have not sounded him yet and should be on your guard。〃
〃You are all too anxious;〃 said Liu Zhang; laughing。 〃My brother is no double…dealer; I am sure。〃
When Liu Bei had returned to his own tent; Pang Tong came in to ask what impression he had of his host of that day。
〃He seems a very honest man;〃 said Liu Bei。
〃He is good enough; but some of his servants are discontented at this turn of affairs; and I would not guarantee there will be no murders。 If you took my advice; you would have Liu Zhang assassinated at the return banquet。 A hundred ruffians behind the arras; a signal from you; and the deed would be acplished。 All that would be needed; then would be a rush on Capital Chengdu。 No sword need be drawn; no arrow fitted to the string。〃
〃He is a brother of my house and has treated me with sincerity。 I am a new…er and so far unknown in this land。 Such a deed would be abhorrent to all the world; and these people would resent it。 I will not establish myself by such means。〃
〃The scheme is not mine。 It originated in a private letter from Zhang Song; who says it will have to be done some time。〃
At this moment Fa Zheng came in and said; 〃This is not for ourselves。 It is the will of heaven。〃
〃Liu Z