st man here in the Yellow River。 Lo！ That is exactly fifty years ago。 Now Yuan Shao is very hard on the people and they hate him。 You； Sir； having raised this army in the cause of humanity and righteousness； out of pity for the people and to punish crimes； and having destroyed the hordes of Yuan Shao at Guandu； just fulfill the prophecy of Yin Kui。 The millions of the land may look now for tranquillity。〃
〃How dare I presume that I am he？〃 said Cao Cao with a smile。
Wine was served and refreshments brought in； and the old gentlemen was sent away with presents of silk stuffs。 And an order was issued to the army that if anyone killed so much as a fowl or a dog belonging to the villagers； he should be punished as for murder。 And the soldiers obeyed with fear and trembling while Cao Cao rejoiced in his heart。
It was told Cao Cao that the total army from the four regions under the Yuan family amounted to two hundred thirty thousand soldiers and they were camped at Cangting。 Cao Cao then advanced nearer to them and made a strong camp。
Next day the two armies were arrayed over against each other。 On one side Cao Cao rode to the front surrounded by his manders； and on the other appeared Yuan Shao supported by his three sons； his nephew； and his leaders。
Cao Cao spoke first； 〃Yuan Shao； your schemes are poor； your strength is exhausted； why still refuse to think of surrender？ Are you waiting till the sword shall be upon your neck？ Then it will be too late。〃
Yuan Shao turned to those about him； saying； 〃Who dares go out？〃
His son Yuan Shang was anxious to exhibit his prowess in the presence of his father； so he flourished his pair of swords and rode forth。
Cao Cao pointed him out to his officers and asked； 〃Anyone knows him？〃