general of Liu Biao； killed Mi Heng over a wine cup。 Mi Heng was one of the most treasured writers in ancient China。
〃But you bore with Mi Heng*。 Why not with this man？〃
〃Mi Heng's reputation for scholarship stood highest of all； and I could not bear to put him to death。 But what ability has this Zhang Song？〃
〃To say nothing about his speech being like the River of Heaven； nothing daunts his talent for dialectic。 I happened to show him your new treatise； he read it over once and could repeat it。 From this； it is evident he is cultured and has a prodigious memory。 There are few like him in the world。 But he said the book was the work of an obscure person of a few hundred years back； and every school child in his country knew it。〃
〃It only shows that the ancients and I are in secret sympathy；〃 replied Cao Cao。
However； Cao Cao ordered the book to be torn up and burned。
〃Then may I bring him to see you； Sir； that he may see the glory of our court。〃
Cao Cao grudgingly consented； saying 〃I am reviewing troops tomorrow on the western parade ground。 You may bring him there and let him see what my army looks like。 He will be able to talk about it when he goes home。 When I have dealt with the south； I shall take the west in hand。〃
Hence the very next day Yang Xiu took Zhang Song over to the west parade ground； where a review of the Tiger Guard was to be held。 There were fifty thousand of them； and when drawn up in order； they made a very brave show with their gleaming helmets and bright new uniforms。 Their drums rolled to shake the heavens； and their weapons glittered in the sun。 Their discipline and order were perfect。 Their gay banners fluttered in the breeze。 They looked ready to fly even； so alert and smart were they。