send my reply；〃 said Cao Cao when they had declared the purport of their mission。 And they left。
Then Jia Xu said to Cao Cao； 〃What is your opinion； O Prime Minister？〃
〃What is yours？〃 asked Cao Cao。
〃War allows deceit； therefore pretend to agree。 Then we can try some means of sowing suspicions between Han Sui and Ma Chao so that we may thereby destroy both。〃
Cao Cao clapped his hands for very joy； saying； 〃That is the best idea of all！ Most suitable！ You and I agree in our ideas。 I was just thinking of that。〃
So an answer was returned：
〃Let me gradually withdraw my soldiers； and I will give back the land belonging to you on the west of Yellow River。〃
And at the same time Cao Cao ordered the construction of a floating bridge to help in the withdrawal to the east side。
When the reply arrived； Ma Chao said to Han Sui； 〃Although he agrees to peace； yet he is evil and crafty。 We must remain prepared against his machinations。 Uncle； you and I will take turns in watching Cao Cao and Xu Huang on alternate days。 So shall we be safe against his treachery。〃
They agreed and began the regular alternate watch。 Soon Cao Cao got to know what they were doing； and he turned to Jia Xu； saying； 〃I am succeeding。〃
〃Who keeps the look…out on the north bank tomorrow？〃 asked Cao Cao。
〃Han Sui；〃 replied someone。
Next day Cao Cao at the head of a large party of his generals rode out of the camp； and the officers presently spread out right and left； he himself remaining a solitary rider visible in the center。 Han Sui did not know that Cao Cao had e out。
Presently Cao Cao called out； 〃Do any of you soldiers want to see Cao Cao？ Here I am quite alone。 I have not four eyes nor a couple of mouths； but I am ve