e sighed deeply as he walked down the steps; saying to himself; 〃Not one of them is any good。 There is no one to save the country。〃
This speech sank deeply into Dong Cheng's heart。 He stopped his guest; saying; 〃Who is no good to save the country? Whom do you mean?〃
〃That incident at the hunt the other day; the shooting of the stag; filled my breast with anger。 But if you; a near relative of the Emperor; can pass your time in wine and idle dalliance without a thought of doing away with rebellion; where can anyone be found who will save the dynasty?〃
However; Dong Cheng doubts were not set at rest。 Pretending great surprise; he replied; 〃The Prime Minister is of high rank and has the confidence of the court。 Why then do you utter such things?〃
〃So you find that wretch Cao Cao a good man; eh?〃
〃Pray speak lower: There are eyes and ears very near us。〃
〃The sort of people who covet life and fear death are not those to discuss any great undertaking。〃
So saying; Ma Teng rose to go sway。 By this time his host's doubts were set at rest。 He felt that Ma Teng was loyal。
So Dong Cheng said; 〃Do not be angry any more。 I will show you something。〃
Whereupon he invited Ma Teng to go into the room where the others were seated and then showed him the decree。 As Ma Teng read it; his hair stood on end; he ground his teeth and bit his lips till the blood came。
〃When you move; remember the whole force of my army is ready to help;〃 said Ma Teng。
Dong Cheng introduced him to the other conspirators; and then the pledge was produced; and Ma Teng was told to sign his name。 He did so; at the same time smearing the blood as a sign of the oath and saying; 〃I swear to die rather than betray this pledge!〃
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