as mander Who Guards the West； were pledged brothers。
On receipt of the summons to the capital； Ma Teng took his eldest son； Ma Chao； into his confidence and told him some of his former life。
〃When Dong Cheng got the Girdle Edict from the Emperor； we formed a society； of which Liu Bei was one； pledged to put down rebellion。 However； we acplished nothing； for Dong Cheng was put to death and Liu Bei was unfortunate； while I escaped to the west。 However； I hear that Liu Bei now holds Jingzhou； and I am inclined to carry out the plan we made so long ago。 But here I am summoned by Cao Cao and what is to be done？〃
Ma Chao replied； 〃Cao Cao has the mand of the Emperor to call you。 If you do not go； that will mean disobeying an imperial mand and you will be punished。 Obey the summons in so far as to go to the capital； where you may be able to arrange to carry out your original intention。〃
But Ma Teng's nephew； Ma Dai； held other opinions and opposed this。
Said he； 〃Cao Cao's designs are unfathomable。 If you go； Uncle； I fear you will suffer。〃
〃Let me lead the army against the capital；〃 said Ma Chao。 〃Can we not purge the empire of evil？〃
But his father said； 〃You must take mand of the Qiang troops for the defense of our territory here。 I will take with me your two brothers and your cousin。 When Cao Cao knows that you have the Qiangs at your call and that Han Sui is prepared to assist； he will hardly dare to work any harm to me。〃
〃Father； if you must go； be careful not to enter the city till you know exactly what plots and machinations are afoot。〃
〃I will certainly take great care； so do not be too anxious；〃 said the father。
The order of march was prepared。 The governor took five thousand troops； with his two