"Truly so, my father; no sooner did the council of yesterday disperse, than, fearing the discovery of his guilt, he assembled his officers and guards and quitted the city."
"Let the fleetest of our horsemen follow immediately," added the Emperor.
"It would be in vain, my father, for ere they can overtake him the traitor will be in the midst of his own troops and province," replied the prince.
"It would be wise to have the gates closely guarded and the defences of the city examined," said Woo.
"The villain dares not carry his treason so far as to invade our capital," replied Wey-t-song.
"Let not the generous nature of my prince carry him too far, for by insidious arts and treacherous gifts this Li-Kong has gained the hearts of the people of the provinces, and is vile enough to attempt the greatest of crimes," said the minister.
"By the tombs of our ancestors, the venerable noble is wise, and we should be prepared for the vilest of crimes. Let the barbarian-subduing General Woo-san-Kwei and his army be recalled from Leao-tong."
"And so exchange a small traitor for the Tartar king, who, though a barbarian, is brave and powerful; rather let my royal father call around him in council the doctors of war and the ablest of his generals, who from the military books will doubtless find sure means of defending the city," said the prince; adding, "Then, O my sovereign parent, let the army be assembled, and permit thy son and this noble youth to meet the rebel on his way. Let this be so, my Emperor, and thy son will bring the traitor's head to thy feet, or be himself brought there upon his own shield."
"Thy heart is brave, but thy years too few, O my son, for so great a trust," replied the Emperor.
"At my years the illustrious Tait-sou, the founder of our race, planted the first seeds of his glory in the field," said the young prince, warmly.