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he had influential friends, Sun Jian was appointed chief military officer in another region, and soon left for his post. But Liu Bei waited in vain for days on end and the three brothers became very sad.
    One day while walking aimlessly in the street, they saw the carriage of a court official by the name of Zhang Jun. Liu Bei went up to him and told of his services to the country. Greatly surprised at this neglect of our heroes, Zhang Jun spoke to the Emperor about it at court.
    “The Yellow Turbans rebelled because the ten eunuchs sold offices and bartered ranks,” he said. “There was employment only for their friends and punishment only for their foes. This led to rebellions across the land. Now it would be better to execute the eunuchs and expose their heads. Then inform the nation of the execution and assure the worthy that they will be well rewarded. Naturally tranquillity will ensue throughout the land.”
    But the eunuchs accused the minister of insulting the Emperor. And he was thrust out by guards at the Emperor’s order.
    However, the eunuchs took counsel together and they realized that the incident had been caused by complaints from those who had rendered services against the rebels but had received no reward. So they decided to have a list of unimportant people prepared for preferment and wait until later to seek vengeance upon them. Among them was Liu Bei, who then received the post of magistrate of a small place called Anxi and was ordered to get there within a certain date. Liu Bei disbanded his men and sent them back to their villages, retaining only a score or so as escort. Then he set out immediately with his two brothers and the escort for Anxi.
    Liu Bei had been in the place for only one month and was able to reform the people there by his intelligent and incorruptible rule. The three brothers lived in perfect harmony, eating at the same table and sleeping on the same couch. But when Liu Bei was in the company of others, the two younger brothers would stand in attendance without betraying any sign of fatigue, even if it were for a whole day.
    Four months later, however, there came an order from above that the number of military officers holding civil posts should be reduced, and Liu Bei began to fear that he would be among those thrown out. Just at that time an inspecting official arrived and Liu Bei went outside the city wall to welcome him. But to his courteous salute, the official made no return save a wave of his whip as he sat on his horse. The two younger brothers were furious, but worse was to follow.
    When the inspector got to his lodging, he took his seat on the dais, leaving Liu Bei standing in attendance below.
    It was only after a long time that he addressed Liu Bei.
    “What was your origin, Magistrate Liu?” he asked.
    “I am a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Since my first fight with the Yellow Turban rebels at my hometown I have been in some thirty big and small battles and have gained some trifling merit. My reward was this office,” replied Liu Bei.
    “You lie about your descent and your statement about your services is false,” roared the inspector. “Now the Emperor has ordered the reduction of your sort of corrupt officials.”
    Liu Bei dared not retort but withdrew. On returning to his office, he took counsel with his subordinates.
    “This intimidating attitude only means he wants a bribe,” they said.
    “I have never taken even the smallest thing from the people. Where am I to find a bribe for him?”
    The next day the inspector had the minor officials before him and forced them to bear witness that their magistrate had oppressed the people. Liu Bei went time after time to rebut this charge but the doorkeepers drove him away and he could not enter.
    Now Zhang Fei had been drowning his sorrow in wine. Calling for his horse he rode out past the lodging of the inspector, and at the gate saw a small crowd of white-haired men weeping bitterly.
    “Why are you