Liu Bei asked the next move； he was told； but also told to keep the plan a secret。
Seeing Liu Bei thus encamped； Cao Cao became doubtful and anxious； and； to bring things to a decision； he sent a written declaration of war； to which Zhuge Liang replied that they would fight a battle on the morrow。
On the morrow the armies faced each other half way between the two camps in front of the Mountain of Five Borders； and there they arrayed。 Cao Cao presently rode up stood beside his banner； with his officers right and left and the dragon and phoenix banners fluttering in the wind。 His drums rolled thrice； and then he summoned Liu Bei to a parley。 Liu Bei rode out supported by Liu Feng； Meng Da； and other leaders。 Then Cao Cao insolently flourizshed his whip and vilified his opponent。
〃Liu Bei； you have forgotten kindness and lost the sense of right。 You are a rebel against the government。〃
Liu Bei answered； 〃I am related to the imperial family； and I hold an edict authorizing me to seize all rebels。 You have dared to lift up your hand against Empress Fu； made yourself a king； and arrogantly presume to an imperial chariot。 If you are not a rebel； what are you？〃
Then Cao Cao ordered Xu Huang out to give battle； and Liu Feng went to meet him。 As the bat began； Liu Bei retired within the ranks of his array。 Liu Feng was no match for his opponent； and fled。
Cao Cao issued an order to capture Liu Bei； saying； 〃He who captures Liu Bei will be made Prince of Hanzhong！〃
At this the army of Wei uttered one great roar of rage； then they came surging on。 The troops of Shu fled toward the river abandoning everything； even throwing aside their weapons； which littered the road。 But as Cao Cao's army pressed forward； he suddenly clanged the gon