That night they assembled all the mon people of the place and forced into their hands swords and spears。 At daylight they opened the four gates； and a huge party with much shouting came out at each； peasantry carrying arms in front； and soldiers behind them。 They pushed on toward Cao Cao's camps； and a melee began lasted till near midday。 But this was quite indecisive； although heaps of dead lay everywhere。
Seeing that success was at best only partial； Cao Cao rode out to the hills near and thence had the drums beaten for a new attack under his own eye。 His officers and troops； seeing that he could observe them in person； exerted themselves to the utmost； and Yuan Tan's army was severely defeated。 Of the peasantry driven into the battlefield； multitudes were slain。
Cao Hong； who displayed very great valor； burst into the press of battle and met Yuan Tan face to face。 The two slashed an