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“You are surrounded with the certainty of death if you do not yield. There is no advantage in a useless death. Wherefore your best course is to yield to Cao Cao till you hear news of Liu Bei and can rejoin him. Thus you will ensure the safety of the two ladies and also keep inviolate the Peach Garden compact. You will preserve a useful life. Brother, you must reflect on these things.”

“Brother, you have spoken of three advantages; now I have three conditions. If the Prime Minister concede these, then will I doff my armor. If he refuses, then I prefer to be guilty of the three faults and die.”

“Why should the Prime Minister not concede them? He is most liberal and large minded. I pray you let me hear your conditions.”

“The first is that as I and the Imperial Uncle have sworn to support the Hans, I now submit to the Emperor and not to His Prime Minister Cao Cao. The second condition is that suitable provision be made for the two ladies under my care and that no one shall be allowed to approach them. The third is that I shall be allowed to set off to rejoin Uncle Liu Bei so soon as I shall hear where he is, whether it be far or near. I require all these to be satisfied; failing a single one, I will not submit. Wherefore, Zhang Liao, I pray you hasten back and announce them.”

Zhang Liao lost no time but rode back to Cao Cao. When he spoke of Guan Yu's intention to submit to the Hans but not to Cao Cao, the latter laughed, saying, “As I am the Minister of Han, so am I Han. I grant that.”

Zhang Liao then spoke of provision due to their rank and security from molestation for the ladies, to which Cao Cao replied, “I will give them twice the regular amount for an Uncle of the Emperor; as for securing them from molestation, that is simple. The ordinary domestic law is enough. Why should there be any doubt?”

Then said Zhang Liao, “Whenever he shall get news of the whereabouts of Liu Bei, he must go to him.”

At this Cao Cao shook his head, saying, “Then I am merely to feed Guan Yu; what is the use of this? I cannot consent.”

Zhang Liao replied, “You must know of Yu Rang's saying: the difference in behavior brought about by difference of treatment? Liu Bei treats Guan Yu just kindly and liberally; you can surely engage Guan Yu's heart and support by being kinder and more liberal.”

“What you say is much to the point. I will grant the three conditions,” said Cao Cao.

Whereupon Zhang Liao left to carry the news to Guan Yu, still on the summit of the Tushan Mountains.

“Now I expect the army to withdraw so that I may enter the city to tell the two ladies what has been arranged. After that I submit at once.”

Zhang Liao rode back once more with this request, and the order was given for the army to retire three miles.

“Do not do this,” said Xun Yu. “I fear treachery.”

“He will certainly not break faith,” said Cao Cao. “He is too high principled.”

The army retired and Guan Yu with his force reentered the city of Xiapi, where he saw that the people were following their ordinary avocations in tranquillity. He came to the palace and went in to see the two ladies, who hastened to meet him.

He bowed to them below the steps and said, “I apologize for having caused you to feel alarmed.”

“Where is the Uncle?” asked they.

“I know not whither he has gone.”

“What do you intend to do, Brother-in-Law?”

“I went out of the city to try a last battle. I was surrounded on a hill top, and Zhang Liao has urged me to yield. I proposed three conditions, all of which were conceded, and the enemy drew off to allow me to return to the city. Unless I have your decision, Sisters-in-Law, I scarcely dare to take any final step.” They asked what were the conditions and were told. Lady Gan said, “When Cao Cao's army came in, we took it to mean certain death. But it is scarcely credible that not a hair of our heads has been disturbed; not a soldier has dared enter our doors. You have accepted the conditions, Brother-in-Law, and there is no need to ask our consent. Our only fear is that he will not let you go by and by to search for the Uncle.”

“Sisters-in-Law, you need not be anxious. I will see to that.”

“You must decide everything and need not ask us.”

Guan Yu withdrew and then, with a small escort, went to his interview with Cao Cao. Cao Cao came to the outermost gate to welcome him, and Guan Yu dismounted and made obeisance. Cao Cao returned his salute with the greatest cordiality.

“The leader of a defeated army is grateful for the graciousness that has preserved his life,” said Guan Yu.

“I have so long admired your loyalty and high principles that this happy meeting gratifies the desire of my whole life,” replied Cao Cao.

“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.