Zhang Liao said; 〃I bring the Prime Minister's order that since he has heard that Guan Yu has slain certain manders on the way; he fears that some will hinder his passage。 Wherefore he has sent me to deliver his mand at each gate that Guan Yu is to be suffered to pass freely。〃
Xiahou Dun said; 〃Qin Qi was the son of Cai Yang's sister; and he was confided to my especial care。 Now this Guan Yu has killed him; and how can I refrain?〃
〃When I see his uncle Cai Yang; I will explain。 But now the main point is that you have the Prime Minister's orders to let Guan Yu pass and you may not despise his wish。〃
So the only thing for Xiahou Dun to do was to retire; and he did。
〃Whither are you going?〃 then said Zhang Liao to Guan Yu。
〃I fear my brother is no longer with Yuan Shao; and now I am going to find him wherever he is。〃
〃As you do not know where to go; why not return to the Prime Minister?〃
〃Where is the sense of that?〃 said Guan Yu with a smile。 〃But; Zhang Liao; you return; and try to arrange pardon for my faults。〃
With this Guan Yu saluted Zhang Liao and took his leave。 Zhang Liao retired and joined Xiahou Dun。
Guan Yu quickly regained the carriage; and as they went along side by side he told Sun Qian what had happened。 Several days later a heavy rain storm came on which soaked everything。 Looking about for protection they noticed a farm under the shelter of a precipice and took their way thither。 An old man came out to them; to whom they told their story。
When they had finished; the old fellow said; 〃My name is Guo Chang; and I have lived here many years。 I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation。〃
Guo Chang quickly killed a sheep for their refreshment and bro