anges of fowls' sexes are brought about by the interference of empresses and eunuchs in state affairs。〃
The Emperor read this memorial with deep sighs; and Chief Eunuch Cao Jie; from his place behind the throne; anxiously noted these signs of grief。 An opportunity offering; Cao Jie informed his fellows; and a charge was trumped up against Cai Yong; who was driven from the court and forced to retire to his country house。
With this victory the eunuchs grew bolder。 Ten of them; rivals in wickedness and associates in evil deeds; formed a powerful party known as the Ten Regular Attendants………Zhang Rang; Zhao Zhong; Cheng Kuang; Duan Gui; Feng Xu; Guo Sheng; Hou Lan; Jian Shuo; Cao Jie; and Xia Yun。
One of them; Zhang Rang; won such influence that he became the Emperor's most honored and trusted adviser。 The Emperor even called him 〃Foster Father〃。 So the corrupt state administration went quickly from bad to worse; till the country was ripe for rebellion and buzzed with brigandage。
At this time in the county of Julu was a certain Zhang family; of whom three brothers bore the name of Zhang Jue; Zhang Ba; and Zhang Lian; respectively。 The eldest Zhang Jue was an unclassed graduate; who devoted himself to medicine。 One day; while culling simples in the woods; Zhang Jue met a venerable old gentleman with very bright; emerald eyes and fresh plexion; who walked with an oak…wood staff。 The old man beckoned Zhang Jue into a cave and there gave him three volumes of The Book of Heaven 。
〃This book;〃 said the old gentleman; 〃is the Essential Arts of Peace 。 With the aid of these volumes; you can convert the world and rescue humankind。 But you must be single…minded; or; rest assured; you will greatly suffer。〃
With a humble obeisance; Zhang Jue too