t venture out to attack so strong a force as was attacking them。
Hu Zun made a camp at Xutang。 It was then the depth of winter and intensely cold。 Heavy snow fell。 Thinking that no warlike operations were possible in such weather； Hu Zun and his officers made a great feast。
In the midst of the feasting came one to report： 〃Thirty ships are ing in the river。〃
Hu Zun went out to look and saw them e into the bank。 He made out a hundred troops on each。
As they were so few； he returned to the feast and told his officers； 〃Only three thousand sailors。 There is nothing to be alarmed at。〃
Giving orders to keep a careful watch； they all returned to enjoy themselves。
Ding Feng's ships were all drawn up in line。 Then he said to his officers； 〃Today there is indeed a grand opportunity for a brave soldier to distinguish himself。 W