er stations says that Zhuge Liang has marched three hundred thousand troops into Hanzhong。 Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi are leading the advanced guard。〃
The report alarmed Cao Rui； and he asked； 〃Who can lead an army to repel the advance？〃
At once out spoke one； saying； 〃My father died in Hanzhong； and to my bitter resentment his death is unavenged。 Now I desire to lead the army against Shu； and I pray that the armies west of the Pass may be given me for this purpose。 I shall render a service to the state； as well as taking vengeance for my father。 I care not what fate may befall me。〃
The speaker was Xiahou Yuan's son； Xiahou Mao。 He was by nature very impulsive and also very miserly。 When young he had been adopted by Xiahou Dun。 When Xiahou Yuan was killed by Huang Zhong； Cao Cao was moved and married Xiahou Mao to one of his daughters； Princess Qinghe； so that he was an Imperial Son…in…Law。 As