sons………Ma Xiu and Ma Tie………as Leaders of the Van and his nephew Ma Dai bringing up the rear。 These set out along the tortuous road to the capital。 At seven miles distance from Xuchang they camped。
When Cao Cao heard of Ma Teng's arrival； he called to him Minister Huang Kui and said to him； 〃Ma Teng is to be sent against the south； and I shall send you as Adviser。 You are first to go to his camp and express my congratulations on his arrival and say that as Xiliang is so distant and transport very difficult； he is not to take too large an army of his own。 I will send a large force。 Also tell him to e in soon for audience of the Emperor。 I will send him supplies。〃
With these instructions Huang Kui went to Ma Teng； who brought out wine and entertained him well。
In his cups the messenger grew confidential and said； 〃My father perished at the hands of Li Jue and Guo Si； and I have always nourished resentment。 Now there is another rebel in power wronging our Prince。〃
〃Who is that？〃 asked Ma Teng。
〃The wrong doer is that rebel Cao Cao； of course。 Do you mean to say you do not know？〃
However； Ma Teng was careful。 He thought it very likely that these words were but a trap for him； so he pretended to be greatly shocked and begged his guest to be careful lest he be overheard。
But Huang Kui cared not； shouting； 〃Then you have quite forgotten the Girdle Edict； eh？〃
Ma Teng began to see Huang Kui was sincere and presently became confidential in turn and told his guest all his schemes。
〃Cao Cao wants you to go in to audience。 There is no good intention there。 Do not go；〃 said Huang Kui。 〃You lead your army up close to the city and get Cao Cao to e and review them。 When he es； assassinate him。〃
They two settled how th