rth; a relative cut off。 And each beat his breast and wept。
And all said; 〃Had he but listened to Tian Feng; we had not met this disaster!〃
Yuan Shao; very remorseful; said; 〃I did not hearken unto Tian Feng; and now my soldiers have been beaten and I was nearly lost。 How can I return and look him in the face?〃
Next day the march was resumed; and Yuan Shao met Peng Ji with reinforcements; to whom he said; 〃I disregarded Tian Feng's advice and have brought myself to defeat。 Now shall I be greatly ashamed to look him in the face。〃
This tribute to Tian Feng's prescience roused the jealousy of Peng Ji; who replied; 〃Yes; when he heard the news of your defeat; though he was a prisoner; he clapped his hands for joy and said; 'Indeed; just as I foretold!'〃
〃How dare he laugh at me; the blockhead? Assuredly he shall die;〃 said Yuan Shao。
Whereupon Yuan Shao wrote a letter and sent therewith a sword to slay the prisoner。
Meanwhile Tian Feng's gaoler came to him one day; saying; 〃Above all humans I felicitate you。〃
〃What is the joyful occasion and why felicitate?〃 said Tian Feng。
The gaoler replied; 〃Imperial Protector Yuan Shao has been defeated and is on his way back。 He will treat you with redoubled respect。〃
〃Now am I a dead man!〃 said Tian Feng。
〃Why say you that; Sir; when all people give you joy?〃
〃The Imperial Protector appears liberal; but he is jealous and forgetful of honest advice。 Had he been victorious; he might have pardoned me。 Now that he has been defeated and put to shame; I may not hope to live。〃
But the gaoler did not believe Tian Feng。 Before long came the letter and the sword with the fatal order。
The gaoler was dismayed; but the victim said; 〃I knew all too