re of no use in the world！〃
The son remained bowed to the earth； not daring to lift his eyes while his mother delivered this vilifying tirade。 As she said the last word； she rose suddenly and left the room。 Soon after one of the servants came out to say Lady Xun had hanged herself。 Xu Shu rushed in to try to save her； but was too late。 A eulogy of her conduct has been written thus：
Wise Mother Xun； fair is your fame；
The storied page glows with your name；
From duty's path you never strayed；
The family's renown you made。
To train your son no pains you spared；
For your own body nothing cared。
You stand sublime； from us apart；
Through simple purity of heart。
Brave Liu Bei's virtues you extolled；
You blamed Cao Cao； the basely bold。
Of blazing fire you felt no fear；
You blenched not when the sword came neat；
But dreaded lest a willful son
Should dim the fame his fathers won。
Yes； Mother Xun was of one mold
With famous heroes of old；
Who never shrank from injury；
And even were content to die。
Fair meed of praise； while still alive；
Was yours； and ever will survive。
Hail！ Mother Xun； your memory；
While time rolls on； shall never。
At sight of his mother dead； Xu Shu fell in a swoon and only recovered consciousness after a long time。 By and bye Cao Cao heard of it and sent mourning gifts； and in due course went in person to condole and sacrifice。 The body was interred on the south of the capital； and the dead woman's unhappy son kept vigil at her tomb。 He steadily rejected all gifts from Cao Cao。
At that time Cao Cao was contemplating an attack on the south。
His adviser Xun Yu dissuaded him； saying；