Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 117

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The Rebellion of the Yellow Caps.

FEB.

him in various districts under regular leaders, and he only waited for a fit time when to carry his projects into execution.

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Very shortly after, he gave out that the time had arrived, when the reigning family should cease and give place to another line of em- perors; and he assured his countrymen that heaven would favor them, as a new cycle was just opening. Thus he won an immense body of the nation over to his side. To render the plot complete, he sent one of his trusty followers to form an alliance with one of the eunuchs, and, lest they should lose the present opportunity through delay, he dispatched a second confidant to apprize the intriguing party at court of the badge adopted by their allies, and of the day when they would rise; but the messenger, who had been intrusted with the final instructions, repented and discovered the scheme to the imperial cabinet.

This disclosure led to the immediate seizure and imprisonment of Fung Seu and his party, who formed the court cabal;

who formed the court cabal; and the imperial troops were ordered out to crush the first symptoms of insurrection.

When the rebel generals Chang Keo, Chang Paou, and Chang Leäng heard that their secrets had been betrayed, they took it as a sign for an instantaneous rise, and, assuming high sounding titles, they put forth a public manifesto, calling for the aid of their countrymen- They were at once joined by 400,000 or 500,000 men, who all wore yellow caps, in sign of their attachment to the new cause, from which circumstance this insurrection is generally designated in history, "the rebellion of the Yellow Caps." While the rebels were scattering themselves over the country, orders were issued by the emperor that every district should be in readiness to defend itself, and that three of his chung lang tseäng (high generals) should proceed with troops to subdue the Yellow Caps.

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The first act of aggression, on the part of the malcontents, was in the district of Yew, the lieutenant of which immediately issued a pro- clamation for a general levy of troops. This call brought forth the famous Lew Pe Heuentih, a descendant in the line of the Han family, who, it had been predicted by his relatives and comrades, would some day rise to eminence. It, at the same time, brought Heventih in contact with the heroes Chang Fei and Kwan Yu, the result of which interview was that these three persons entered into a solemn covenant, to stand by each other in supporting the interests of the house of Han, and to keep the unity of mind and purpose inviolate.

Thus leagued, these heroes of the San Kwo Che sally forth to join the ranks of lieutenant Lew Yen, who gladly welcomed them.