Xu Sheng ordered the lictors to take Sun Shao out and put him to death。
They led him away； and forthwith the black flag was hoisted。 But one of Sun Shao's generals went off in hot haste to tell Sun Quan； who came immediately to try to save his favorite。 Happily the execution had not been acplished when the Prince appeared on the scene； and he bade the executioners disperse。 The youth was saved。
Sun Shao began to press his claim to the Prince； saying； 〃I have been at Guangling； and if we do not attack the enemy there； but let him get down to the river； there will be an end of Wu。〃
Sun Quan went into the camp； and Xu Sheng came to receive him。
When the Prince was seated in his tent； Xu Sheng said； 〃O Prince； you placed me in mand of the force to repulse Wei。 Now this general of mine； Sun Shao； is disobedient and should suffer death。 I would ask why he should be pardoned。〃
〃He is naturally hot and impetuous。 He has been guilty of disobedience； but I hope you will overlook his fault。〃
〃The law is none of my making； nor is it yours； O Prince。 It is a state penalty； and if relationship is enough to evade it； where is discipline？〃
〃He has offended； and you have the right to judge and punish。 But although his real name is Yu Shao； yet my brother Sun Ce loved him and gave him our family name。 Further； Sun Shao has rendered me good service。 If he should be put to death； I should fail in my fraternal duty。〃
〃Since you have intervened； O Prince； I remit the death penalty。〃
Sun Quan bade his nephew thank his chief； but the youth would not make an obeisance。 On the contrary； he loudly maintained the correctness of his view。
〃Leading troops against Cao Pi is the only way；〃 cried Sun Shao。 〃I cannot consent to yo