Cao Cao then wished to execute Liu Dai and Wang Zhong. Kong Rong remonstrated: “Those two are no match for Liu Bei; if they are executed, the soldiers may lose heart.” Cao Cao therefore spared their lives, stripped them of rank and stipends, and intended to raise troops against Liu Bei himself.

Kong Rong said, “It is the severe and frigid middle of winter now, and it is not the time to move an army. Wait until spring; it will not be too late. First send envoys to induce Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao to submit, and then we can turn to Xu Province.” Cao Cao accepted this counsel and first sent Liu Ye to persuade Zhang Xiu.

When Liu Ye reached Xiangcheng, he first visited Jia X and presented Cao Cao’s renown. Jia kept him at his house.

The next day he came to present himself before Zhang Xiu and spoke of Cao Cao’s invitation. In the midst of their discussion, a messenger from Yuan Shao arrived. Zhang Xiu ordered him in. The envoy presented a letter. Zhang Xiu read it, and it too expressed a bid for surrender.

Jia X said, asking the envoy, “How have you lately fared in raising troops and breaking Cao Cao? What was the outcome?”

The envoy said, “In this bitter winter we hold back from battle for now. General and Liu Biao of Jing Province both carry the manner of men of worth, so I come at their request.”

Jia X laughed aloud. “Go back to Benchu and tell him: ‘You cannot even endure your own brothers, how can you tolerate the worthies of all under heaven?’” He tore the letter apart before him and shouted the envoy away.

Zhang Xiu asked, “Now Yuan Shao is strong and Cao Cao weak. If we ruin this letter and expel the envoy, what shall we do if Yuan comes?”

Jia X replied, “Do not join Yuan; join Cao Cao.”

Zhang Xiu said, “I already bear a feud with Cao Cao. How can I live in peace with him?”

Jia X said, “There are three reasons to follow him: first, Cao Cao bears the Son of Heaven’s decree and campaigns under imperial command to pacify all under heaven; one should follow him. Second, if you join the stronger one, Yuan Shao, you are few for him and he will not value you much, while Cao Cao, though weak, would welcome your service. Third, Cao’s ambition is that of a hegemon; he is likely to set aside private resentments and show virtue across the realm. Therefore, do not doubt him.”

Zhang Xiu accepted him, then asked Liu Ye to meet face-to-face. Liu Ye praised Cao’s virtues and said, “Would the Chancellor still wish me to come here and make peace if he kept one old grievance in his mind?”

Zhang Xiu rejoiced and together with Jia X and others went to Xu, where they formally presented themselves and submitted. Zhang Xiu knelt on the steps before Cao Cao.

Cao Cao hurried to help him up and held his hand, saying, “Let your small fault not be kept in the heart.” He made Zhang Xiu the General Who Uplifts Valor and Jia X the Commander of the Golden Guard.

Cao then ordered Zhang Xiu to compose a letter inviting Liu Biao to submit. Jia X objected:

“Liu Jingsheng likes to gather renowned men. He will submit only if a famed scholar comes to speak for us.”

Cao asked Xun You, “Who is fit?”

Xun You answered, “Kong Rong could bear that responsibility.”

Cao assented. Xun You sought out Kong Rong and said, “The Chancellor wants one famed scholar as a traveling envoy. Can your Excellency take that office?”

Kong Rong said, “My friend Ni Heng, whose courtesy name was Zhongping, is ten times more gifted than I am. He belongs at the Son of Heaven’s side; he can do more than merely serve as envoy. I will recommend him to the throne.”

He then submitted this memorial for the emperor’s approval:

I have heard that when floodwaters run wild, the Son of Heaven seeks order and reaches to all four quarters to recruit worthy men. In former times, each reigning ruler extended his ancestor’s foundation, and good men gathered from every side.

Your Majesty, though brilliantly wise, inherited the thread of the realm and has met grievous misfortune, your labor and humility continuing from dawn to dusk. Heaven’s great mountains have lowered their spirits, and strange men have arisen.

I have observed Ni Heng of Pingyuan, a man of the surname Ni and courtesy name Zhongping. He is twenty-four years old, of pure character, upright and bright, with towering talent. Early he entered literature and in the halls saw hidden things. Whatever he behold, he can recite at once; whatever he briefly hears, he does not forget. Nature accords with the Way in him, and his thoughts seem divine. He can quietly discern hidden intentions and the movements of the world as if by a single glance.

He is loyal, upright, and frank, with a heart like frost and snow. When he sees the good he is startled; when he sees evil he is a resentful foe. In office and in conduct he stands firm, and in duty and warning he has not been surpassed by Shi Yu. A hundred hawks in a flock are not equal to one eagle. If he stands in the audience hall, there is much to behold: his eloquence runs swift and his speech pours forth in abundance. He untangles doubt and unravelled knots; even opposite camp and opposing arguments he can answer with ease.

In former times Jia Yi sought to test Juxu by linking him to the Xiongnu; General Zhongjun desired a long thong to hold fast to the violent Yue. He was brave in youth and praised by the age before he had reached maturity. Recently, Luo Cui and Yan Xiang likewise raised unusual talent and were raised as Platform gentlemen. Zhongping is worthy to stand beside them. Like a dragon leaping the sky road, spreading wings in the clouds, he can raise his cry to Ziwei and cast light like a rainbow arch; he can illuminate the multitudes of near office and add gravity to the front gate. In great orchestras of the vaults he will provide a rare spectacle, and in the imperial household he will secure an extraordinary treasure. Men of his rank cannot be obtained often.

In pieces like The Stirring of the Ch'u and The Songs of Yang E he has mastery of exquisite posture and movement, so coveted by performers. As a hawk-footed rabbit or the swift-flying mare, he is without limit in his run and in the way of music and delight that the discerning call for.

How can we not report this, since we are unworthy servants? His Majesty should choose your officials with care and test them in practice. Grant that Zhongping be summoned in plain brown robes. If no one can find him worthy, let me bear the guilt of deceiving Your Majesty by showing his face in vain.

The emperor read the memorial and passed it to Cao Cao. Cao thus sent for Ni Heng.

After the ceremonial greeting, Cao Cao did not order him to sit. Ni Heng looked up and sighed, “Although Heaven and Earth are vast, why is there no one?”

Cao Cao said, “There are dozens under my command, all heroes of our age. Why do you say there is none?”

Ni Heng said, “I would hear you tell me.”

Cao said, “Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu are sharp of mind and far-sighted in intellect, though even they fall short of Xiao He and Chen Ping. Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, Yue Jin, and Li Dian are formidable in courage, though not equal to Cen Peng and Ma Wu. Lü Qian and Man Chong attend to affairs; Yu Jin and Xu Huang lead the vanguard. Xiahou Dun is a rare genius of heaven and earth; Cao Zixiao is a blessed commander of our age. How then could there be no one?”

Ni Heng laughed. “Your words are in error. I know all these men well:

Xun Yu may be sent to inquire after a funeral and to visit the sick; Xun You to watch a grave and tend tombs; Cheng Yu to shut the gate and bolt a door; Guo Jia to read a verse with clear wording; Zhang Liao to beat drums and strike bronze; Xu Chu to graze cattle and release horses; Yue Jin to copy documents and read an edict; Li Dian to carry letters and deliver summonses; Lü Qian to grind blades and cast swords; Man Chong to drink and feast; Yu Jin to carry timbers and build walls; Xu Huang to slaughter pigs and dogs.

Xiahou Dun is called the General of Complete Body, while Cao Zixiao is called the Money-Taking Magistrate. As for all the rest, they are merely cloth racks and grain sacks, wine vats and meat bags.”

Cao Cao grew angry: “What can you do?”

Ni Heng said, “Heaven and earth, astronomy and geography—I know none that I do not know. The Three Teachings and Nine Streams—I know none that I do not understand. I can make a ruler into Yao and Shun above, and I can equal Kong and Yan in virtue below. Why should I discuss such things with vulgar men?”

Only Zhang Liao stood at his side and drew his sword to execute him. Cao Cao said, “What I lack is only a drummer in the halls. At dawn and dusk in court banquets and rites, I can make Ni Heng serve in that role.”

Ni Heng did not decline and answered at once. Zhang Liao said, “His words are insolent. Why not kill him?”

Cao Cao said, “He has a reputation, broad and distant, heard near and far. If I kill him today, all under heaven will say I cannot bear talent. He thinks himself able; therefore I will place him in this post and humiliate him.”

The next day Cao Cao held a grand banquet in the hall and ordered the drumming attendant to strike the drum. An old attendant said, “The drummer should change into new clothing.”

Ni Heng entered in old clothes and played the drum to the tune Yuyang San Zhua. The notes were extraordinary, with depth like jade and stone striking together. No guest failed to be moved and to weep. Someone nearby shouted, “Why do you not change garments?”

Ni Heng took off his old torn robe before all and stood fully bare. Every onlooker covered his face. Ni Heng then slowly pulled up his trousers; his expression never changed.

Cao shouted, “How can you be so impolite in a place of ancestral halls?”

Ni Heng replied, “To deceive the ruler and mislead superiors is itself the true indecency. I stand bare of my mother-and-father’s form only to reveal the purity of my body!”

Cao said, “If you are pure, who is polluted?”

Ni Heng replied, “Your eyes are muddy, for you cannot distinguish the worthy from the base. Your mouth is muddy, for you do not study poetry and books. Your ears are muddy, for you ignore loyal counsel. Your body is muddy, for you know not past and present. Your belly is muddy, for you do not treat the princes and lords rightly. Your mind is muddy, for you constantly bear rebellious ambition. I, the famed scholar of the world, being made mere drumming attendant, is the same as if Yang Huo had mocked Confucius and Zang Cang had slandered Mencius. If one seeks the work of a hegemonic lord, why treat men so lightly?”

Kong Rong was present and feared Cao would order his death. He said calmly, “Ni Heng’s offenses are not beyond the common sort, and they are not fit to expose the Son of Heaven’s intentions.”

Cao gestured at Ni Heng and said, “Send him to Jing Province as an envoy. If Liu Biao submits, I will make him a minister of the court.”

Ni Heng refused to go. Cao prepared three fine horses and had two men hold him and lead him. At the same time he sent his civil and military officers to line up wine outside the East Gate.

Xun You said, “When Ni Heng comes, do not rise.”

Ni Heng arrived, dismounted, and entered to see Cao. All sat upright. Ni Heng burst into loud weeping.

Xun You asked, “Why do you cry?”

Ni Heng answered, “If I am already in a bier of death, how could I not weep?”

The others said, “We are all walking corpses. You alone are a headless madman!”

Ni Heng said, “I am an official of the Han; I am not a band of Cao Cao’s associates. How could I be headless?”

They wanted to kill him, but Xun You quickly stopped them, “What is this, mouse and sparrow alike, to dare defile the sword?”

Ni Heng said, “I am a mouse or sparrow, yes, but still with human nature. You, I can only call you mantises.”

With that the crowd turned away in resentment.

At Jing Province Ni Heng met Liu Biao. Though he praised his merits, he spoke in sarcasm. Liu Biao was not pleased and sent him to Jiangxia to meet Huang Zu.

Someone asked Liu Biao, “Ni Heng mocked Lord Liu. Why do you not execute him?”

Liu Biao said, “Ni Heng has insulted Cao Cao many times; Cao did not execute him, fearing he would lose public support. So he sent him here, hoping to let my hand take him and make me bear blame for killing a worthy man. I now send him to Huang Zu so Cao Cao may know that I recognized his trick.” All praised this.

Around the same time Yuan Shao also sent envoys. Liu Biao asked his strategist circle, “Yuan Benchu has sent messengers again, and now Cao Mengde has dispatched Ni Heng. Which side should we follow?”

Han Song, one of the Gentleman Attendants of the Household, said, “The two mighty men are now locked against each other. If the commander wishes to accomplish anything, this is a chance to break the enemy. If not, he should attach himself to the better side. Cao Cao commands troops well and many worthies gather to him; he will surely first take Yuan Shao and then move his force toward Jiangdong. Then the general may not hold it back. Therefore it is best to carry all of Jing Province to him; Cao will then treat the general with honor.”

Liu Biao said, “You go back to Xu, observe the situation, and then we shall again consult.”

Han Song replied, “Ruler and minister each has fixed duty. Now I serve this general; though I go through fire and boiling water, I must obey my command only. If the general can first accord with the Son of Heaven above and follow Cao above below, he may keep Han Song; if he remains uncertain, and then stands in the capital where he receives an appointment from the Son of Heaven, Han Song will be the Son of Heaven’s official and can no longer die as the general’s man.”

Liu Biao said, “Go and observe first. I have another design.”

Han Song withdrew and went to Xu, where Cao Cao received him. Cao made him Central Attendant and appointed him Administrator of Lingling Commandery.

Xun You said, “Han Song has come only to observe movements and achieved no real service, yet you have granted him this post. Ni Heng has provided no reports, and Cao Cao sent him and has not inquired again. Why?”

Cao Cao replied, “Ni Heng insulted me to the utmost, so I used Liu Biao’s hand to dispose of him; why press further?” He then sent Han Song back to Jing Province to speak with Liu Biao.

Han Song returned and praised the court’s grandeur and urged Liu Biao to send his son to attend audience. Liu Biao flew into rage. “Do you have a double heart?” he said, and he wanted to execute Han Song.

Han Song shouted, “General, you owe Song; Song owes no debt to the general.”

Kuai Liang said, “Before Song left, he already spoke this.” Liu Biao pardoned him.

A report arrived that Huang Zu had beheaded Ni Heng. Liu Biao asked why. The one present answered, “Huang Zu and Ni Heng drank together and became drunk. Huang asked him, ‘Who are the men of note in Xu in your eyes now?’

Ni Heng said, ‘My older child is Kong Wenju, my younger child is Yang Dezu; apart from these two, there are no other figures.’

Huang Zu asked, ‘How do I compare to you?’

Ni Heng said, ‘You resemble the spirit in a temple: though it receives sacrificial rites, one may regret there is no power in it.’

Huang Zu grew furious: ‘Do you take me for a puppet of earth and wood?’ He immediately beheaded him. To the end, Ni Heng did not cease his abuse.”

When Liu Biao heard of Ni Heng’s death he wailed long and ordered burial by the banks of Parrot Isle.

Later poets sighed:

Huanzu had no equal among true elders; Ni Heng lost his head at this riverbank. When I come now past Parrot Isle, only the cold water flows without feeling.

When Cao Cao heard that Ni Heng had been harmed, he laughed, “A corrupt scholar’s sword of tongue has killed itself!” He then said that since Liu Biao did not submit, he would raise troops to demand justice.

Xun You remonstrated, “Yuan Shao is not yet subdued and Liu Bei has not been destroyed. To move troops through Jianghan now is like abandoning one’s vital organs to defend the hands and feet. First destroy Yuan Shao, then destroy Liu Bei, and the lands along Yang and Han can be leveled and pacified at once.” Cao followed this counsel.

Meanwhile, after Dong Cheng had left, he and Wang Zifu and others discussed the matter day and night and had no workable plan. In the fifth year of Jian’an, on New Year’s day, they offered court salutations and saw Cao Cao becoming even more arrogant and overbearing, so they burned with anger and fell ill. The emperor learned his imperial uncle had grown sick and ordered the chief imperial physician to go with Dong to treat him.

That physician was from Luoyang, surname Ji, given name Tai, courtesy name Ping, and known as Ji Ping, a famed doctor. Ji Ping came to Dong’s estate and medicated him day and night without leaving. He often heard Dong’s deep sighs and laments but did not dare to question.

When the Lantern Festival came, Ji Ping asked leave to depart. Dong Cheng begged him to stay, and the two drank together. They drank until past the watch of night, and Dong Cheng grew weary and in sleep took up his robes and lay down.

Suddenly word came that Wang Zifu and four others were there. Dong Cheng went to receive them.

Wang Zifu said, “Great fortune has come to pass!”

Dong Cheng said, “Tell me what you propose.”

Wang Zifu said, “Liu Biao has aligned with Yuan Shao and raised 500,000 men. They are advancing in ten routes to kill us. Ma Teng has joined Han Sui and raised seven hundred and twenty thousand from the west, marching south. Cao Cao has called out all Xu Prefecture troops and divided forces to meet each enemy, leaving the capital bare. If we gather five household retainers, we can have a little over a thousand men. Tonight this house holds a grand banquet for Lantern Festival rewards and honors. If we seize the gates and break in, we can kill him. This is the moment; do not miss it.”

Dong Cheng rejoiced and immediately summoned all household slaves to ready arms. He donned armor, took up his spear, mounted and prepared; all agreed to meet at the inner gate, and then to advance in formation.

At second watch they all arrived.

Dong Cheng took up his treasured sword and on foot entered straight in and saw Cao Cao hosting a banquet in the main hall. He shouted, “Cao thief, do not run!”

He raised his blade and struck once, then collapsed. Suddenly he awoke as if from a dream of Nan-ke, and still cursed, “Cao thief!” with no end to it.

Ji Ping came forward shouting, “Did you intend to kill Cao Gong?”

Dong Cheng was frightened and could not answer.

Ji Ping said, “Uncle, do not be alarmed. Though I treat the sick, I have not forgotten Han. For several days I saw your uncle sighing and lamenting and did not dare to ask. The words just now, spoken in your dream, have revealed your true intent. Do not hide it from me. If there is a use for me, even if nine generations are annihilated, I have no regret.”

Dong Cheng covered his face and wept, “I only fear you are not sincere!”

Ji Ping then bit off a point of his finger and swore. Dong Cheng brought out the belt edict and asked Ji Ping to read it. He said, “The plan failed because Liu Xuande and Ma Teng had each departed, and no new method remained, and so I became sick from grief.”

Ji Ping said, “No need for your concern. Cao the thief’s life lies in my hands.”

Dong Cheng asked why.

Ji Ping replied, “Cao is habitually afflicted with wind in the head; it drives pain into the marrow. The slightest bout summons my visit. If there is a call from him in the morning or evening, one dose of poisonous medicine is enough to kill him. Why raise swords and troops?”

Dong Cheng said, “If this is so, this one man will save the Han and the realm.”

Ji Ping then took leave to return.

In his heart Dong Cheng was secretly glad. He entered the rear hall and saw his slave Qin Qingtong and his concubine Yun Ying whispering together in hiding.

Dong Cheng grew furious, shouted for guards, and had them seized, intending to kill them.

His wife interceded to spare their lives. Each was whipped forty lashes, and Qingtong was bound in the cold room.

Nursed with resentment, Qingtong twisted the iron shackles in the middle of the night, jumped over the wall, and fled directly to Cao Cao’s residence, reporting a matter of state.

Cao Cao summoned him to a private room and asked, “What have you seen?”

Qingtong said, “Wang Zifu, Wu Zilan, Zhong Ji, Wu Shuo, and Ma Teng met to discuss a secret matter at master’s estate. It must have been a plot against the Chancellor. The master was about to send out a strip of white silk; I do not know what was written on it. Recently Ji Ping bit his finger as oath; I saw it myself.”

Cao Cao hid Qingtong inside the compound and let Dong Cheng think he had fled elsewhere, so no one sought him.

The next day Cao Cao feigned a headache, and summoned Ji Ping for medicine.

Ji Ping thought inwardly, “This villain has finished,” and secretly hid poison in the pharmacy. Cao Cao lay on his bed and told Ji Ping to give the dose.

Ji Ping said, “This illness can be cured in one dose.” He took the medicine jar and brewed it before him. When half the decoction had dried, Ji Ping had already added poison and then gave it himself.

Cao knew poison was in it, and intentionally delayed drinking.

Ji Ping said, “If taken hot, only a little sweating and he will recover.”

Cao rose and said, “You have read the books, so you know propriety. ‘When one is ill, a subject tastes the medicine first; when one’s father is ill, a son tastes it first.’ You are my close officer; why do you not taste it first and only then give it?”

Ji Ping answered, “Medicine is to cure disease. Why does one need to taste first?”

Ji Ping saw that the matter was exposed, strode forward, gripped Cao’s ear, and forced it down his throat.

Cao thrust the medicine out to the ground; the bricks flew and shattered.

Cao had not spoken when guards seized Ji Ping and brought him below. Cao said, “I was not truly ill; I only tested you. If you would poison me, someone must have urged you. If you tell me that name, I will spare you.”

Ji Ping shouted, “You are the usurping bandit who deceives the Son of Heaven; all beneath the heavens want to kill you—why not me alone?”

Cao repeated the torture. Ji Ping grew angry: “I wanted to kill you myself. Who could have sent me? The plot failed, and only death remains.”

Cao grew angry and had prison guards beat him fiercely. For two hours his skin split and flesh opened, blood filling the steps. Fearing they had killed him before testimony, Cao ordered the guards taken to a quiet place and let him rest for the moment.

He ordered a banquet the next day and invited all senior ministers to drink. Dong Cheng only feigned illness and did not come. Wang Zifu and the others, fearing Cao’s suspicion, all came.

Cao set seats in the rear hall. The wine went around several rounds. “There is nothing here to make this banquet lively,” he said. “There is one person among us who can wake all others.” He ordered twenty guards, “Bring him.”

Soon the guards came with a long fetter and collar and chain and dragged Ji Ping to the steps.

Cao said, “My honored ministers do not know: this man joined evil rebels and plotted to overturn court and slay Cao. Heaven has turned against him. Hear his own words.”

He ordered a beating first; the man collapsed unconscious. They poured water on his face. Ji Ping revived, opened his eyes and with teeth clenched cursed,

“Cao thief! If you will not kill me, when else?”

Cao said, “There are six accomplices already, making seven with you. Tell me their names.”

Ji Ping only shouted more abuse. Wang Zifu and the others looked at each other like men seated on a bed of needles.

Cao commanded more blows and more water. Ji Ping made no plea for mercy. Seeing no confession, Cao ordered him dragged away.

After the ministers dispersed, Cao left only Wang Zifu and the four with him for the night banquet. The four were dazed, with no spirit in their bones.

Cao said, “I had no wish to keep you, but there remains something to ask. What did you all discuss with Dong Cheng?”

Zifu said, “Nothing of consequence.”

Cao said, “What was written on the strip of white silk?”

Wang Zifu and the other three all held back. Cao brought out Qingtong to confront them. Wang Zifu said, “This villain had adultery with your uncle’s maid and was punished for false reporting. Do not accept it.”

Cao said, “Ji Ping’s poison was not sent by Dong Cheng. Who else then?”

The four said, “We know nothing.”

Cao said, “If you confess tonight, you may still be pardoned. If we wait until the matter breaks out, this will be intolerable!”

Even then Wang Zifu and the others denied involvement.

Cao shouted and had guards seize all four and imprison them.

The next day he led those gathered and went straight to Dong Cheng’s house on the pretext of making inquiry into his illness. Dong Cheng had no choice but to come out.

Cao said, “Why did you fail to attend my banquet last night?”

Dong Cheng said, “A mild illness has not healed; I dared not venture out lightly.”

Cao said, “That is a grave illness of state.” Dong Cheng was stunned.

Cao said, “Do you know about Ji Ping?”

Dong Cheng said, “I do not.”

Cao laughed coldly, “How can my uncle not know?” He shouted for attendants: “Bring him, and let him rise with the uncle’s sickness.”

Dong Cheng had no place to stand.

Soon twenty guards dragged Ji Ping to the steps.

Ji Ping shouted, “Cao, bandit of the state?”

Cao pointed to him and told Dong, “This man has already linked up with Wang Zifu and three others, whom I have arrested and brought before the Censorate. One remains at large.”

Turning back, he asked, “Who sent you to give me medicine? Speak quickly and name him!”

Ji Ping said, “Heaven sent me to kill this treacherous lord!”

Cao ordered him beaten. There was no point on the body where there was no instrument for punishment.

Dong Cheng watched, his heart cut as with a knife.

Cao asked again, “You had ten fingers. How do you now have nine?”

Ji Ping said, “I chewed them off as an oath—to slay the rebel lord!”

Cao ordered a knife brought, and at the steps cut away his remaining nine fingers, saying, “One strike to cut, teach you the weight of oath.”

Ji Ping said, “I still have a mouth to denounce traitors and a tongue to curse them!”

Cao then ordered his tongue severed.

Ji Ping said, “Do not move yet. Punishment has done me no good; only confession can be had. Release my bonds.”

Cao asked, “What is the obstacle to release?” He ordered his fetters undone.

Ji Ping rose, stood facing the hall gate, and bowed.

“Your servant could not remove the criminal from the state,” he said. “Such is Heaven’s decree.”

When he finished, he threw himself against the steps and died.

Cao ordered his limbs separated and distributed.

It was the first month of the fifth year of Jian’an. A court poem was written:

Han has no sign of renewal; in this world, doctor Ping is praised by name. He swore to remove treacherous kin and gave his body for bright rule. The words of extreme punishment grew fiercer still. Blood from all ten fingers ran like threads; for ages to come he is revered for a name beyond ordinary.

After seeing Ji Ping dead, Cao had guards bring Qin Qingtong before him.

Cao said, “Can the imperial uncle recognize this man?”

Dong Cheng grew furious: “That was a runaway slave! He should be executed at once.”

Cao said, “He first accused a plot to rebel; now he bears witness to it. Who then dare execute him?”

Dong Cheng said, “Why does the Chancellor listen to the word of one escaped slave?”

Cao said, “Wang Zifu and the four have already been captured by me and their confessions are clear. Do you still deny?”

He called attendants and had Dong Cheng seized. He ordered men to enter Dong’s bedchamber and search out the belt edict and the written declaration of intention.

Cao read and laughed, “How dare common rats do this!”

He then ordered, “Arrest all of Dong Cheng’s household, both men and women. Let not one escape.”

He returned to his estate and showed the declaration to all advising ministers so they might discuss. He spoke of deposing the Son of Heaven and installing a new sovereign.

A handful of vermilion decrees make vain hopes, one sheet of alliance writing brings calamity. Who knows how the life of the offered Son of Heaven will fare? How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.