Chapter 27: The Bearded Lord Travels a Thousand Li Alone; Lord Guan of Hanshou Slays Six Generals at Five Passes

CHAPTER 27: The Long-Bearded Man Rides a Thousand Li Alone; The Marquis of Hanshou Cuts Down Six Generals at Five Passes

Now among Cao Cao’s generals, aside from Zhang Liao, only Xu Huang had a deep friendship with Yun Chang; the rest also respected and admired him. Only Cai Yang was unwilling to submit to Guan Yu, so when he heard of his departure that day, he wanted to pursue him. Cao Cao said, “He does not forget his former lord, and comes and goes openly and clearly—truly a man of honor. All of you should follow his example.” He then rebuked Cai Yang and would not let him pursue. Cheng Yu said, “Your Excellency treated Guan with exceptional generosity, yet now he leaves without bidding farewell, only leaving behind a hastily written letter that offends your dignity. His offense is great. If you let him return to join Yuan Shao, it is like adding wings to a tiger. It would be better to pursue and kill him, to eliminate future trouble.” Cao Cao said, “I had already given him my word—how can I break faith? Each serves his own lord; do not pursue him.” Then he said to Zhang Liao, “Yun Chang sealed up the gold and hung up the official seal—wealth cannot shake his heart, rank and salary cannot alter his resolve. Such a man I deeply respect. I reckon he has not gone far yet; I might as well befriend him a little more and do him a kindness. You go first and ask him to wait, so that I may see him off, and also give him traveling expenses and a battle robe as a keepsake for the future.” Zhang Liao received the order and rode off alone on a single horse. Cao Cao followed with several dozen cavalry.

Now the Red Hare Steed that Yun Chang rode could travel a thousand li in a day, and was naturally hard to catch up with; but because he had to escort the carriage train, he dared not let the horse gallop freely, only holding the reins and moving slowly. Suddenly he heard someone behind him shouting loudly, “Yun Chang, slow down a moment!” Turning his head, he saw Zhang Liao urging his horse forward. Guan Yu ordered the carriage train and attendants to keep going straight along the main road without stopping; he himself reined in the Red Hare, steadied the Green Dragon Saber, and asked, “Wen Yuan, have you come to pursue me back?” Zhang Liao said, “No. The Chancellor knows that you, my elder brother, are on a long journey and wishes to see you off. He specially sent me ahead to ask you to halt your honored progress—there is no other meaning.” Guan Yu said, “Even if the Chancellor’s iron cavalry came, I would be willing to fight to the death!” So he stood his horse on the bridge and looked out. He saw Cao Cao galloping forward with several dozen cavalry, followed by Xu Chu, Xu Huang, Yu Jin, Li Dian, and others.

When Cao Cao saw Guan Yu holding his saber and standing his horse on the bridge, he ordered all the generals to rein in their horses and spread out left and right. Guan Yu, seeing that none of them carried weapons, finally felt at ease. Cao Cao said, “Yun Chang, why are you leaving in such haste?” Guan Yu bowed slightly on his horse and replied, “Guan previously informed the Chancellor that his former lord was in Hebei, and he could not help but rush to him. I visited your mansion several times but could not see you, so I left a letter of farewell, sealed up the gold, hung up the seal, and returned them to the Chancellor. I hope the Chancellor will not forget his former promise.” Cao Cao said, “I wish to keep faith with all under Heaven—how could I go back on my word? I feared that on the road you might lack funds, so I have specially prepared some traveling expenses for you.” A general then lifted a tray of gold from his horse. Guan Yu said, “I have received many gifts from you, and still have surplus money. Please keep this gold to reward your officers and men.” Cao Cao said, “This is merely a token to repay a ten-thousandth of your great merit—why refuse it?” Guan Yu said, “This small merit is hardly worth mentioning.” Cao Cao smiled and said, “Yun Chang is a righteous man under Heaven. I only regret that my good fortune is shallow and I cannot keep you. A brocade robe—a small token of my regard.” He ordered a general to dismount and present the robe with both hands. Guan Yu, fearing some trick, dared not dismount; he lifted the robe with the tip of the Green Dragon Saber, draped it over his shoulders, reined his horse around, and thanked him, saying, “I am honored by the Chancellor’s gift of the robe; we shall meet again another day.” Then he rode down the bridge and headed north. Xu Chu said, “This man is too insolent—why not seize him?” Cao Cao said, “He is one man on one horse, and we are several dozen—how could he not be suspicious? My word has been given; we cannot pursue him.” Cao Cao himself led the generals back to the city, sighing and thinking of Yun Chang all the way.

Let us leave Cao Cao returning to the city. Now Guan Yu went to catch up with the carriage train; after traveling about thirty li, he still could not see it. Yun Chang grew anxious and urged his horse in all directions, searching. Suddenly he saw a young man on a hilltop who called out in a loud voice, “General Guan, halt a moment!” Yun Chang looked up and saw a youth, wearing a yellow turban, clad in brocade, holding a long spear, riding a horse with a human head hanging from its neck, and followed by over a hundred infantry, all rushing forward. Guan Yu asked, “Who are you?” The youth threw down his spear, dismounted, and knelt on the ground. Yun Chang, suspecting a trick, reined in his horse, held his saber, and said, “Brave man, state your name.” He replied, “I am from Xiangyang; my surname is Liao, my given name Hua, and my style name Yuanjian. Because the world was in chaos, I drifted to the rivers and lakes, gathered over five hundred men, and made a living by robbery. Just now, my companion Du Yuan went down the mountain to scout and mistakenly captured the two ladies and brought them up the mountain. When I questioned the attendants, I learned they were the wives of the great Han Imperial Uncle, Lord Liu Bei. Moreover, I heard that you, General, were escorting them here, and I immediately wanted to send them down. Du Yuan spoke rudely, so I killed him. Now I present his head to beg your pardon, General.” Guan Yu said, “Where are the two ladies now?” Liao Hua said, “They are in the mountain.” Guan Yu ordered them to be brought down quickly. In a short while, over a hundred men escorted the carriage train forward. Guan Yu dismounted, set down his saber, and, folding his hands, greeted the carriage, saying, “Did the two sisters-in-law suffer any fright?” The two ladies said, “If not for General Liao’s protection, we would have been disgraced by Du Yuan.” Guan Yu asked those nearby, “How did Liao Hua rescue the ladies?” They said, “Du Yuan took them up the mountain and wanted to divide them, each taking one as a wife. Liao Hua asked about their origins and treated them with great respect; Du Yuan refused and was killed by Liao Hua.” Hearing this, Guan Yu bowed to thank Liao Hua. Liao Hua wanted to send some of his men to escort Guan Yu. Guan Yu thought to himself that this man was ultimately a remnant of the Yellow Turbans and could not be a companion, so he declined. Liao Hua again bowed and offered gold, silver, and silk, but Guan Yu would not accept them. Liao Hua took his leave and led his men back into the valley.

Yun Chang told the two sisters-in-law about Cao Cao’s gift of the robe and urged the carriage train forward. When dusk fell, they sought lodging in a village. The village elder came out to welcome them; his hair and beard were snow-white, and he asked, “What is your name and surname, General?” Guan Yu bowed and said, “I am Guan, younger brother of Liu Xuande.” The old man said, “Are you not the Lord Guan who beheaded Yan Liang and Wen Chou?” Guan Yu said, “It is I.” The old man was overjoyed and invited him into the village. Guan Yu said, “There are also two ladies in the carriage.” The old man then called his wife and daughter to come out and welcome them. When the two ladies reached the thatched hall, Guan Yu stood with folded hands beside them. The old man invited Guan Yu to sit, but Guan Yu said, “My honored sisters-in-law are present—how dare I sit?” The old man then had his wife and daughter invite the two ladies into the inner chamber to be entertained, while he entertained Guan Yu in the main hall. Guan Yu asked the old man’s name. The old man said, “My surname is Hu, my given name Hua. During Emperor Huan’s reign, I served as a Court Counselor and later resigned and returned home. Now I have a young son, Hu Ban, who serves as an Attendant Officer under Wang Zhi, the Prefect of Xingyang. If you, General, pass by that place, I have a letter I would like you to deliver to my son.” Guan Yu agreed.

The next morning after breakfast, he invited the two sisters-in-law to mount the carriage, took Hu Hua’s letter, bade farewell, and set out on the road, heading toward Luoyang. Ahead, they came to a pass called Dongling Pass. The commanding officer at the pass, a man named Kong Xiu, was holding it with five hundred soldiers on the earthen ridge. That day, as Guan Yu was escorting the carriage up the ridge, the soldiers reported to Kong Xiu, who came out of the pass to greet him. Guan Yu dismounted and exchanged courtesies with Kong Xiu. Kong Xiu said, “General, where are you bound?” Guan Yu replied, “I have taken leave of the Chancellor and am going to Hebei to seek my elder brother.” Kong Xiu said, “Yuan Shao of Hebei is the Chancellor’s very enemy. For this journey, you must have the Chancellor’s pass.” Guan Yu said, “The journey was urgent, and I did not obtain one.” Kong Xiu said, “Since you have no pass, let me send someone to report to the Chancellor; then I can let you through.” Guan Yu said, “If I wait for a report, it will delay my journey.” Kong Xiu said, “The law requires it; I have no choice.” Guan Yu said, “So you will not let me pass?” Kong Xiu said, “If you wish to pass, leave your family behind as a hostage.” Guan Yu flew into a rage, raised his blade, and was about to kill Kong Xiu. Kong Xiu retreated into the pass, beat the drum to rally his soldiers, donned his armor, mounted his horse, and charged down from the pass, shouting, “Do you dare to cross?” Guan Yu ordered the carriage to fall back, spurred his horse, raised his blade, and without a word, made straight for Kong Xiu. Kong Xiu leveled his spear to meet him. The two horses crossed; in a single exchange, the steel blade rose, and Kong Xiu fell dead across his horse. The soldiers fled. Guan Yu said, “Soldiers, do not run. I killed Kong Xiu because I had no choice; it has nothing to do with you. Through your mouths, send word to Chancellor Cao that Kong Xiu sought to harm me, so I slew him.” All the soldiers knelt and bowed before his horse.

Lord Guan then invited the two ladies to mount the carriage and exit the pass, proceeding toward Luoyang. Soon, a soldier reported to the Luoyang Prefect, Han Fu. Han Fu hastily summoned his officers to discuss the matter. The junior officer Meng Tan said, “Since he has no Chancellor’s pass, he is traveling without authorization. If we do not stop him, we will surely be held responsible.” Han Fu said, “Lord Guan is fierce; Yan Liang and Wen Chou were both slain by him. We cannot fight him head-on; we must devise a plan to capture him.” Meng Tan said, “I have a plan: first, set up cheval-de-frise barricades to block the pass. When he arrives, I will engage him in battle, feign defeat, and lure him in pursuit. You can then shoot him with a hidden arrow. If Guan falls from his horse, we can capture him and escort him to Xuchang; we are sure to receive a great reward.” After settling the plan, someone reported that Lord Guan’s carriage had arrived. Han Fu strung his bow and nocked an arrow, led a thousand men, and arrayed them at the pass, asking, “Who comes?” Lord Guan bowed from his horse and said, “I am Han Shouting Hou, one Guan. I presume to ask passage through.” Han Fu said, “Do you have Chancellor Cao’s pass?” Lord Guan said, “Affairs were pressing; I did not obtain one.” Han Fu said, “I hold this post by the Chancellor’s order, specifically to inspect travelers for spies. Without a pass, you are a fugitive.” Lord Guan said angrily, “Kong Xiu of Dongling has already been killed by me. Do you also seek death?” Han Fu said, “Who will seize him for me?” Meng Tan rode out, brandishing his paired swords, to take Lord Guan. Lord Guan ordered the carriage to fall back, spurred his horse, and met him. Before Meng Tan had fought three exchanges, he turned his horse and fled. Lord Guan pursued. Meng Tan only hoped to lure Lord Guan, but he did not expect Lord Guan’s horse to be so fast; it soon caught up, and with one slash, he cut Meng Tan in two. Lord Guan reined in his horse and turned back. Han Fu, hiding at the gate, loosed an arrow with all his strength, striking Lord Guan in the left arm. Lord Guan pulled out the arrow with his teeth; blood flowed without ceasing. He flew his horse straight at Han Fu, scattering the soldiers. Han Fu hurried to dodge but was too slow. Lord Guan’s blade rose and fell, cutting him from head to shoulder, sending him tumbling from his horse. He then scattered the remaining troops and protected the carriage.

Lord Guan cut a piece of silk cloth to bind his arrow wound. On the road, fearing an ambush, he dared not linger long and headed by night for Sishui Pass. The commanding officer at this pass was a man from Bingzhou, Bian Xi by name, skilled in using the meteor hammer. He was originally a remnant of the Yellow Turbans, later surrendered to Cao Cao, and was sent to guard this pass. Hearing that Lord Guan was approaching, he devised a plan: he hid more than two hundred armed men with swords and axes in the Zhenguo Temple in front of the pass, intending to lure Lord Guan into the temple. They agreed that the clink of a wine cup would be the signal to harm him. After making these arrangements, he went out of the pass to greet Lord Guan. Seeing Bian Xi come to welcome him, Lord Guan dismounted and they exchanged courtesies. Bian Xi said, “General, your fame shakes the world; who does not admire you! Now that you are returning to the Imperial Uncle, this shows your full loyalty and righteousness!” Lord Guan recounted the slaying of Kong Xiu and Han Fu. Bian Xi said, “The general was right to kill them. I will go to see the Chancellor and report your true intent on your behalf.” Lord Guan was greatly pleased. Together they mounted and crossed Sishui Pass, dismounting before the Zhenguo Temple. The monks struck the bell and came out to greet them. This Zhenguo Temple was an imperial incense temple from the time of Emperor Ming of Han, with over thirty monks in residence. Among them was a monk who was a fellow townsman of Lord Guan, whose monastic name was Pujing. Pujing, already aware of the plot, stepped forward and greeted Lord Guan, asking, “General, how many years has it been since you left Pudong?” Lord Guan said, “Nearly twenty years.” Pujing said, “Do you still recognize this poor monk?” Lord Guan said, “I have been away from my hometown for many years; I cannot recall.” Pujing said, “This poor monk’s home is separated from the general’s home by only one river.” When Bian Xi saw Pujing revealing their shared hometown connection, fearing the plot would leak, he scolded him, saying, “I wish to invite the general to a feast. Why does this monk speak so much?” Lord Guan said, “No. When fellow townsmen meet, how can they not speak of old times?”

Pujing invited Lord Guan into the abbot’s quarters for tea. Lord Guan said, “The two ladies are in the carriage; let them be served tea first.” Pujing ordered tea brought first to the ladies, then invited Lord Guan into the abbot’s quarters. Pujing raised the monastic knife he wore, gesturing with his eyes to Lord Guan. Lord Guan understood and ordered his attendants to keep their swords ready and follow closely. Bian Xi invited Lord Guan to the Dharma Hall for a feast. Lord Guan said, “Sir Bian invites me—is it with good intent or ill?” Before Bian Xi could answer, Lord Guan had already seen the armed men concealed behind the wall hangings. He roared at Bian Xi, “I took you for a good man; how dare you do this!” Bian Xi, knowing the plot was exposed, shouted, “Men, attack!” The men moved to act, but Lord Guan drew his sword and cut them down. Bian Xi fled down the hall and around the corridors. Lord Guan dropped his sword, picked up his great blade, and pursued. Bian Xi secretly drew out his flying hammer and hurled it at Lord Guan. Lord Guan knocked the hammer aside with his blade, chased him in, and split Bian Xi in two with one stroke. He then turned back to see to his two sisters-in-law. Soldiers had already surrounded them, but seeing Lord Guan approach, they scattered in all directions. Lord Guan drove them off and thanked Pujing, saying, “If it were not for you, Master, I would have been killed by that villain.” Pujing said, “This poor monk can no longer stay here. I will pack my robes and alms bowl and go wandering elsewhere. We shall meet again when fate allows. General, take care.” Lord Guan expressed his thanks, escorted the carriage, and proceeded toward Xingyang.

The Prefect of Xingyang, Wang Zhi, was a relative by marriage of Han Fu. When he heard that Lord Guan had killed Han Fu, he plotted to harm Lord Guan secretly. He ordered men to guard the pass. When Lord Guan arrived, Wang Zhi came out of the pass, greeting him with a smiling face. Lord Guan recounted his mission to seek his elder brother. Wang Zhi said, “The general has traveled hard, and the ladies are weary in the carriage. Please enter the city first and rest for the night at the official lodging; it will not be too late to set out tomorrow.” Seeing that Wang Zhi’s manner was very attentive, Lord Guan invited his two sisters-in-law into the city. The official lodging had already been fully prepared. Wang Zhi invited Lord Guan to a feast, but Lord Guan declined. Wang Zhi then sent a banquet to the lodging. Because of the hardships of the road, Lord Guan asked the two ladies to finish their meal and then rest in the main chamber. He ordered the attendants to rest each in their place and to feed the horses well. Lord Guan also removed his armor and rested.

Wang Zhi secretly summoned his subordinate Hu Ban to receive his orders, saying: “That Guan has betrayed the Chancellor and fled, and on the way he killed the and the officers guarding the pass—his crime of death is no light matter! This man is fierce in battle and hard to overcome. Tonight you shall muster a thousand soldiers to surround the post station, each man with a torch. At the third watch, set fire all at once; burn them all to death, no matter who they are! I myself will also lead troops to support you.” Hu Ban received the order, then mustered the soldiers and secretly moved dry firewood and kindling to the entrance of the post station, setting the time for the deed. Hu Ban thought to himself: “I have long heard of Guan Yunchang’s reputation, but I do not know what he looks like. Let me try to steal a glance.” So he went to the station and asked the station official: “Where is General Guan?” The reply came: “He is in the main hall reading a book.” Hu Ban quietly approached the hall and saw Guan Gong stroking his beard with his left hand, leaning on a table by the lamplight, reading. Hu Ban saw this and could not help exclaiming: “Truly a man from heaven!” Guan Gong asked who it was. Hu Ban entered and paid his respects, saying: “I am Hu Ban, an assistant officer under the of Xingyang.” Guan Gong said: “Are you not the son of Hu Hua from outside Xuchang?” Hu Ban replied: “That is correct.” Guan Gong ordered an attendant to take a letter from the luggage and hand it to Hu Ban. After reading it, Hu Ban sighed and said: “I nearly killed a loyal and good man by mistake!” Then he secretly informed him: “Wang Zhi harbors evil intentions and wishes to harm you, General. He has secretly ordered men to surround the post station on all sides, and they are to set fire at the third watch. Now I will go and open the city gate first; you, General, must quickly prepare and leave the city.” Guan Gong was greatly alarmed. He hastily put on his armor, took his sword, and mounted his horse. He invited the two ladies to board the carriage, and they all left the post station. Indeed, they saw the soldiers each holding torches, awaiting orders. Guan Gong hurried to the city wall and saw that the gate was already open. Guan Gong urged the carriage and baggage train out of the city quickly. Hu Ban returned to set the fire. Guan Gong had not traveled more than a few li when behind him torches blazed and men and horses came in pursuit. At the front, Wang Zhi shouted loudly: “Guan, do not flee!” Guan Gong reined in his horse and cursed him: “You scoundrel! I have no feud with you—why did you send men to set fire to me?” Wang Zhi spurred his horse, raised his spear, and charged straight at Guan Gong; but Guan Gong cut him in two with a single blow across the waist. The men and horses were all scattered. Guan Gong urged the carriage and baggage train onward, and on the road he felt endlessly grateful to Hu Ban.

When they reached the border of Huazhou, someone reported to Liu Yan. Liu Yan led several dozen cavalry out of the city to welcome him. Guan Yu bowed slightly from his horse and said: “, you have been well since we parted!” Liu Yan said: “Where are you going now, Sir?” Guan Yu said: “I have taken leave of the Chancellor and am going to seek my elder brother.” Liu Yan said: “Liu Bei is with Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shao is the Chancellor’s enemy—how can he allow you to go?” Guan Yu said: “It was previously agreed upon.” Liu Yan said: “Now the ferry crossing at the Yellow River is guarded by Qin Qi, a subordinate of Xiahou Dun. I fear he will not let you, General, pass.” Guan Yu said: “Can the provide a boat?” Liu Yan said: “I do have boats, but I dare not provide one.” Guan Yu said: “I previously killed Yan Liang and Wen Chou, and I also lifted the siege for you. Today I ask for a single ferryboat and you will not give it—why is that?” Liu Yan said: “I only fear that if Xiahou Dun learns of it, he will surely blame me.” Guan Yu knew that Liu Yan was a useless man, so he urged his carriage and baggage forward on his own. When they reached the Yellow River ferry, Qin Qi came out leading his troops and asked: “Who comes?” Guan Yu said: “Han Shou Ting Hou, Guan Yu.” Qin Qi said: “Where are you going now?” Guan Yu said: “I am going to Hebei to seek my elder brother Liu Bei, and I have come specially to borrow a crossing.” Qin Qi said: “Where is the Chancellor’s official document?” Guan Yu said: “I am not under the Chancellor’s command—what official document would I have?” Qin Qi said: “I am under General Xiahou’s orders to guard this pass. Even if you grew wings, you would not fly across!” Guan Yu said angrily: “Do you know about the men I have killed on the road who tried to stop me?” Qin Qi said: “You have only killed those nameless minor officers—dare you kill me?” Guan Yu said furiously: “How do you compare to Yan Liang and Wen Chou?” Qin Qi was enraged, spurred his horse, raised his blade, and charged straight at Guan Yu. The two horses met; with a single exchange, Guan Yu raised his blade and Qin Qi’s head fell. Guan Yu said: “The one who blocked me is dead. The rest of you need not panic or flee. Quickly prepare a boat and ferry me across the river.” The soldiers hastily poled a boat to the shore. Guan Yu invited the two ladies to board the boat and cross the river. After crossing the Yellow River, they were in Yuan Shao’s territory. The passes Guan Yu passed through numbered five, and he killed six generals. Later, someone wrote a poem in admiration:

He hung up his seal and left gold, bidding the Han Chancellor farewell,

Seeking his brother, he gazed afar along the distant road back.

Riding the Red Hare steed, he traveled a thousand li;

With the Green Dragon Crescent Blade lowered, he emerged from the five passes.

His loyalty and righteousness soared, filling the universe;

The hero from this moment shook the rivers and mountains.

Alone he traveled, slaying generals, matchless in skill;

Through the ages, his deeds remain inscribed in ink.

He hung up his seal and left gold, bidding the Han Chancellor farewell,

Seeking his brother, he gazed afar along the distant road back.

Riding the Red Hare steed, he traveled a thousand li;

With the Green Dragon Crescent Blade lowered, he emerged from the five passes.

His loyalty and righteousness soared, filling the universe;

The hero from this moment shook the rivers and mountains.

Alone he traveled, slaying generals, matchless in skill;

Through the ages, his deeds remain inscribed in ink.

Guan Yu sighed to himself from his horse: “It is not that I wished to kill people along the way, but circumstances left me no choice. When Cao Gong learns of this, he will surely think me an ungrateful man.” As he was traveling, he suddenly saw a horse coming from the north, and a man shouted loudly: “Yunchang, wait a moment!” Guan Yu reined in his horse and looked—it was Sun Qian. Guan Yu said: “Since we parted at Runan, how have things been?” Sun Qian said: “Liu Pi and Gong Du, after you, General, withdrew your troops, recaptured Runan. They sent me to Hebei to form an alliance with Yuan Shao and to invite Liu Bei to jointly plan a strategy to defeat Cao. Unexpectedly, the officers of Hebei are all jealous of each other. Tian Feng is still imprisoned; Ju Shou has been demoted and is no longer employed; Shen Pei and Guo Tu each contend for power; Yuan Shao is indecisive and cannot make up his mind. I discussed with the Imperial Uncle, and we first found a way to escape. Now the Imperial Uncle has already gone to Runan to join Liu Pi. Fearing that you, General, might not know and instead go to Yuan Shao, where you might be harmed, he specially sent me to meet you on the road. Fortunately, I have met you here. General, you should hurry to Runan to meet the Imperial Uncle.” Guan Yu had Sun Qian pay his respects to the ladies. The ladies asked about his situation. Sun Qian explained in detail: “Yuan Shao twice wanted to kill the Imperial Uncle. Now, fortunately, he has escaped and gone to Runan. You, ladies, can meet the Imperial Uncle there.” Both ladies covered their faces and wept. Guan Yu followed his advice and did not go to Hebei but instead took the road directly to Runan. As they were traveling, dust rose behind them, and a troop of men and horses came in pursuit. At the head was Xiahou Dun, shouting: “Guan Yu, do not flee!” Truly:

Six generals blocked the pass but died in vain;

One army barred the road, and the struggle began again.

Six generals blocked the pass but died in vain;

One army barred the road, and the struggle began again.

How Guan Yu escaped will be explained in the next chapter.