第63部分(第1/7 页)
〃As the Prime Minister has granted the three requests which my friend petitioned for on my behalf； there is now but little to discuss；〃 said Guan Yu。
〃As I have spoken； so be it。 I could not break faith；〃 replied Cao Cao。
〃Whenever I hear where Uncle Liu Bei is； I must certainly go to him； even if through fire and water。 It may be that there will be no time nor opportunity of saying farewell。 I trust you will understand the reason。〃
〃If Liu Bei should prove to be alive； you must certainly be allowed to go to him。 But I fear that in the confusion he may have lost his life。 You may set your mind at rest and let me make inquiries。〃
Guan Yu thanked him。 Then a banquet was prepared in Guan Yu's honor。 Next day the army started on its homeward march。
For the journey to the capital； a carriage was prepared for the two ladies； and Guan Yu was its guard。 On the road they rested at a certain post station； and Cao Cao； anxious to promise Guan Yu by beguiling him into forgetfulness of his duty； assigned Guan Yu to the same apartment as his sisters…in…law。 Guan Yu stood the whole night before the door with a lighted candle in his hand。 Not once did he yield to fatigue。 Cao Cao's respect for him could not but increase。
At the capital the Prime Minister assigned a dignified residence to Guan Yu； which he immediately divided into two enclosures； the inner one for the two ladies and the other for himself。 He placed a guard of eighteen of his veterans over the women's quarters。
Guan Yu was presented to Emperor Xian who conferred upon him the rank of General Who Serves the Hans。 Guan Yu expressed his thanks to the Emperor。 Next day Cao Cao made a great banquet； inviting all his advisers and officers； solely in honor of Guan Yu； who sat