s for the relief of Fancheng； and it can confidently expect victory。 But is it wise to place such as Pang De in mand of the van？〃
〃Why？〃 said Yu Jin； surprised。
〃Because Pang De was once under the mand of Ma Chao。 He had no alternative but to surrender and fight for Wei。 But his former chief is now in high honor in Shu； one of the Five Tiger Generals； and his own brother Pang Rou is there； too； as an officer。 To send Pang De as Leader of the Van just now seems like trying to extinguish a fire with oil。 Would it not be well to inform the Prince of Wei and ask him to exchange this man for another？〃
Without further argument or delay； Yu Jin went to see the Prince and laid before him the objections to Pang De's appointment。 As soon as Cao Cao understood； he summoned Pang De to the steps and bade him yield his seal as Leader of the Van。
〃O Prince； why do you reject my services？ I was just about to do my best for you。〃
〃I do not doubt you； but Ma Chao is now in the west； and your brother also………both in the service of Liu Bei。 I myself have no doubts； but it is what all the crowd are saying。 What can I do？〃
Pang De took off his headdress and prostrated himself； bitter tears rolling down his cheeks。
〃Since I surrendered to you； O Prince； I have experienced much kindness； so that I would undergo any sufferings to show my gratitude。 I hope you will trust me。 When my brother and I were at home together； his wife was a wicked woman； and I slew her while I was drunk。 My brother has never forgiven me； but is permeated with hate for me。 He swears never to see me again； and we are enemies。 For my old master； Ma Chao； I have profound contempt。 He is bold； but only that； and was in a pitiable and dejected state when he found his way to the