Cao Cao smiled。 〃I have served the Hans for many years。 Even if I have acquired some merit； yet I have been rewarded with a princedom and high rank。 I dare not aspire to greater things。 If the finger of heaven points to me； then shall I be as King Wen of Zhou*。〃
〃As Sun Quan acknowledges himself your servant and promises obedience； you； my lord； can confer a title upon him and assign to him the duty of attacking Liu Bei；〃 said Sima Yi。
Approving of the suggestion； Cao Cao gave Sun Quan the titles of General of the Flying Cavalry and Lord of Nanzhang； and appointed him to the Imperial Protectorship of Jingzhou。 Forthwith this mand was sent away to Sun Quan。
Cao Cao's condition grew worse daily。 One night he had a dream of three horses feeding out of the same manger。
Next day he told it to Jia Xu； saying； 〃I saw three horses feeding on the same manger before the family of Ma Teng was harmed。 Last night I saw the same dream again。 How do you interpret it？〃
〃The horses were feeding on bounty： It is auspicious to dream of dignity；〃 replied Jia Xu。 〃And naturally such an honor es to the Caos。 I do not think you need feel any misgivings。〃
Cao Cao was forted。
Cao Cao dreamed three steeds together fed；
The vision seers could not explain；
None guessed how soon； when Cao Cao was dead；
One dynasty would rule again。
Ah； yes； Cao Cao had vainly wrought；
Of none avail each wicked wile；
For； later； in Wei court； there fought
Against him one with equal guile。
That night Cao Cao became worse。 As he lay on his couch he felt dizzy and could not see； so he rose and sat by a table； upon which he leaned。 It seemed to him that someone shrieked； and； peering into the darkness； he perceiv